– new G Division commander warns traffic offenders

By Indrawattie Natram

COMMANDER of G Division, Cristal Robinson, is warning drivers commuting within the Pomeroon-Supenaam region and other communities in the division not ‘to give any traffic officer a bribe’. She was at the time answering a question from the media on how she intends to handle “bribery” within the division.

Reports reaching the media indicate that persons are paying money to traffic officers for their “traffic offenses” not to reach the court.

The newly-placed commander is, therefore, advising the public not to pay any money to the police but rather proceed and pay the “ticket fine”.

She also advised that a driver gets a chance to explain his situation to the magistrate in court, once the matter is a traffic offense.

“Drivers need to go and pay. If they are not satisfied with the ticket then they should attend the court and let the magistrate decide; don’t get scared, everyone has a say in Guyana’s justice system. Once I receive complaints that people are giving police extra money, then both parties will be charged” Commander Robinson said.

The commander said that in giving a “bribe”, it takes two to understand such arrangement, and as such, both the giver and the acceptor will face the consequences, once such information reaches her.

Commander Robinson said when she assumed her new post, drivers had approached her, stating that many of the traffic officers do not wear a name tag and immediately she advised that they do and make it visible.

The commander said she had made several changes within the Traffic Department in the division and was optimistic that improvements will be made.

Traffic ranks were advised not to wear a reflector vest during the day.

“Sensitisation is important and I believe that once drivers and residents know what is accepted then they can go accordingly,” the commander said.