–Persaud returns to Berbice

By Rabindra Rooplall
SUPERINTENDENT of Traffic, Deon Moore Monday resumed responsibilities as Traffic Chief, while Boodnarine Persaud, who was acting in his capacity returned to ‘B’ Division (Berbice).

On March 4, Moore was a passenger in a motorcar heading north along the East Bank Public Road, when, in the vicinity of the GuyOil Service Station at Providence, the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a utility pole.

While the driver of the vehicle escaped without injuries, Moore sustained a fractured leg and rib.

Due to his incapacitation, the Guyana Police Force had appointed Superintendent Persaud, who is the second-in-command within the traffic department, to perform the duties of Acting Traffic Chief.

NO STRANGER
Persaud, who served in the Berbice Division, is no stranger to the Traffic Department, having served there for a number of years. He was known for implementing several strategies to curb traffic lawlessness. Berbice is one of the Divisions with a reduction in accident rate.

Asked what he thought about the challenges in the traffic department, Persaud said because of the geographic development of Guyana, there will always be issues of congestion and fatal accidents. He recommends that road users change their negative attitudes, as the main causes of accidents remain speeding, driving under the influence, and riding motorcycles without helmet.

He feels that although the traffic department has educational plans for road users, a holistic approach is needed.

He noted that firstly, there is no safe place for pedal cyclists on roadways, because they are always exposed to danger, since they are riding on the same side of the road which speeding drivers use.

The most affected group includes youths and the elderly using bicycles. In Suriname, he said, pedal cyclists do not ride on the public road; they use a special carriageway because of the danger involved.

BACK TO BERBICE
Upon his return to Berbice, Persaud said, “My focus in Berbice will be zero tolerance with motorcyclist without helmet, tinted vehicles, drinking under the influence, and speeding.”

He said the volume of traffic in the country needs more traffic ranks and vehicles to deal with the high amount of vehicles and traffic in the country, since almost 50% of fatal accidents occur at night.

“To stem the pain and suffering associated with accidents,” he said, “we must not merely possess a sound knowledge of the pertinent rules and regulations, but more importantly, we are required to actively consider, participate and intentionally apply the time-tested and proven five Cs for good road use: Care, Courtesy, Consideration, Common Sense and Caution.”