THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has expressed strong opposition to a recent proposal by former Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, who has called for the re-institution of the 2 A.M. curfew as a means to combat the rising number of road fatalities.
The Chamber has criticised the curfew suggestion, deeming it a misguided approach that could negatively impact the country’s economic recovery and growth.
“The Chamber firmly opposes this recommendation and urges a more effective and evidence-based approach to addressing road safety. There is no evidence to support its efficacy in reducing road fatalities,” the GCCI said in a statement issued on Saturday.

The GCCI emphasised that the “real solution” lies in significantly strengthening the enforcement of existing traffic laws by the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department.
It said, “The focus should be on rigorous action against reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. Furthermore, it is imperative to launch comprehensive public education and awareness campaigns to foster responsible road behaviour.”

According to the GCCI, Ramjattan’s suggestion to restrict the free movement of the public is a simplistic and ineffective approach. “A more nuanced and robust strategy that emphasises public education and accountability is more suitable. The safety of our roads can only be achieved through concerted efforts to enforce the law and educate the public, not through curfews that impede personal freedom and economic activity,” the Chamber reasoned.

At his party’s recent press conference, Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, described the Alliance for Change (AFC) of which Ramjattan is an executive member, as being “out of touch with reality”, given Ramjattan’s suggestion. He, however, acknowledged that more work has to be done to alleviate road accidents, some of which result in fatalities.
As previously announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the government plans to increase funding for public education and police enforcement of traffic laws.

He had cited a number of calculated government initiatives aimed at reducing traffic fatalities, such as the passing of the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Bill and the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill.
Among other things, the former has seen the adoption of more severe punishments for driving while intoxicated and the introduction of the offence of motor manslaughter. Bar owners will be liable in the event of an accident under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Act since they are prohibited from serving alcohol to those who are operating motor vehicles.