expresses grief over accident

MINISTER of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has expressed profound sadness following a tragic accident on Sheriff Street recently, which claimed the life of one individual and left others injured.

The victim was identified as 42-year-old Carlton Smartt.

In an official statement, Minister Edghill extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and expressed solidarity with those injured, wishing them a swift and complete recovery. “This devastating incident serves as a stark and painful reminder of the fragility of life on our roads and the catastrophic consequences that can result from reckless driving,” he said.

The accident, which occurred along the recently upgraded Lamaha-Dennis Street corridor, has raised serious concerns about road safety. The Minister noted that while government investments in infrastructure have focused on incorporating critical safety features such as traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and traffic signs, the effectiveness of these measures ultimately depends on the responsible behaviour of road-users.

Preliminary investigations reveal multiple violations that contributed to the crash, including: excessive speeding – trucks involved were reportedly travelling well above the speed limit; disregard for traffic signs – drivers failed to adhere to signals at the intersection; overloaded vehicle – One truck’s excessive load compromised its safety; improper lane usage – lack of lane discipline worsened the situation; and failure to yield to pedestrians – reckless driving endangered vulnerable road users.
Minister Edghill urged drivers, particularly operators of heavy vehicles, to adhere strictly to traffic laws, emphasising the need to respect speed limits, obey signals, maintain lane discipline, and prioritise pedestrian safety.

He also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance road safety, stating that the Ministry is working closely with the Guyana Police Force to intensify traffic monitoring, enforce stricter penalties for violations, and implement additional safety measures.

“This tragedy is especially poignant as it coincides with National Road Safety Month and follows the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims,” the Minister remarked, calling on all road-users to honour those who have lost their lives by recommitting to safer driving practices.

The government, he reiterated, remains steadfast in its dual mission to modernise Guyana’s transportation network and safeguard all road users. “Together, through collective responsibility and heightened awareness, we can create a safer road environment for all,” he concluded.

This incident underscores the importance of ongoing public education on road safety and the enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.