— Minister Benn

HOME Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn has expressed grave concern and alarm with regards to the recent spate of horrific road accidents which have resulted in significant loss of life and serious injuries.

The minister thinks that increasing fines and sanctions for errant road users will be a good thing, to serve as a deterrent.

Recently, there have been deadly accidents at Mahaica Bridge, East Coast Demerara; Agricola Public Road, East Bank Demerara; and at De Willem, West Coast Demerara.

According to Minister Benn in a statement to the press on Wednesday, these incidents are allegedly caused by speeding, driving under the influence, and driving without due care and attention.

“The year 2021 to date from the Police Traffic Department identified a dramatic reduction by 20 per cent in road fatalities which achievement was the best result in 16 years. The Ministry of Home Affairs intends to have the Guyana Police Force and its traffic ranks improve on the 2021 performance by facilitating all the measures necessary to have improvements in road safety,” Minister Benn noted.

Minister Benn noted that the recent accidents and continued reckless road use by identifiable sections of road users make the case for heightened enforcement, increasing fines and sanctions and renewed interventions for public awareness with respect to road safety and traffic management.

Beyond statistics, he stated that road deaths and injuries represent traumatic grief and loss which are irreparable to the families, communities, and indeed, to the country at large.

“I wish to express regret and condolences to the families who are grieving at this time and to encourage safer road usage, by all concerned, but particularly young vehicle and motorcycle operators,” Minister Benn added.