THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) was on Tuesday gifted five (5) breathalysers valued at $1.4M by several members of the corporate community to enhance their traffic law enforcement capability.

A handing-over ceremony took place at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, Conference Room which was witnessed by the top brass of the Force headed by Commissioner of Police(ag) Seelall Persaud.

Making the presentation on behalf of the private sector was President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lance Hinds.

Hinds said, “I am certain I do not need to tell anyone in this room about the often deadly consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol. The media is [sic] awash with images of mangled vehicles and sometimes bodies on a regular basis.”

He stated that the GCCI believe that as national stakeholders they should be concerned about these kinds of challenges and where it is at all possible, support or be part of a positive and constructive contribution.

The GCCI President said, “The genesis of where we are today. Based on our call for assistance, the following companies came forward to provide financial support for the acquisition of breathalyser equipment, namely: BEV Processors, Digicel Guyana, John Fernandes Limited, John Lewis Styles, Republic Bank Guyana Limited and Trans Pacific Motor Spares.”

He noted that the effort is part and parcel of the Chamber’s commitment to corporate and social responsibility.

Hinds said, “We hope therefore that the breathalyzers and supporting equipment will be used by the Guyana Police Force to even further engage in operations to reduce the instances of drunk driving and deal promptly and severely with those who continue to do so.
Let me assure the Commissioner and [the] Guyana Police Force that the Chamber of Commerce is always ready to support efforts such as these that increase the safety and comfort of our citizens.”

In response, the Top Cop, Seelall Persaud said that he is heartened by the gift and will intensify their collaboration with stakeholders such as the private sector in the way forward on many issues as it relates to security and crime.

He pointed out that they have had a healthy relationship with the GCCI in many instances and they were able to partner in major activities and have had their inputs in planning ahead of the Christmas policing in the city.

Persaud said that they have had initiatives, but this one yesterday morning came as a surprise, but he is nevertheless grateful for the donation and it will significantly assist in enhancing the capacity of the GPF.

The Commissioner(ag)added that they are always willing to partner with the corporate community and the donation will go a far way, noting that the road fatality figures this year are slightly higher than those of last year in comparison.

Persaud told the gathering yesterday morning that, that sort of engagement will continue because they have a mandate to fulfil, while the GCCI have a common interest in crime control among other interests.

Delivering brief remarks also was Acting Traffic Chief, Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram, who expressed his gratitude for the gift, which he noted came at a time when there is a need, recognising the number of road accidents which have resulted in deaths on our roads.

He said that the GPF Traffic Department will, however, continue to enforce the traffic laws and the breathalysers will be used as intended.

(By Michel Outridge)