Introducing new legislation for stiffer penalties
The Ministry of Home Affairs has expressed concern about the recent spate of wanton destruction of public property such as traffic lights, bridges, roads and drainage structures.

And all this as a result of careless and reckless driving as well as driving under the influence of alcohol by persons using private and public transportation.

A similar concern has been raised by citizens around the country and particularly in Georgetown, who fully support the view that sterner measures and stiffer penalties should be meted out through the force of law against the perpetrators whom the Courts find guilty of destroying public property, a statement from the Ministry said yesterday.

“In this regard, following representation made to the Cabinet and after receiving approval to proceed, the Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated steps to have the appropriate legislation drafted and to have same laid in the National Assembly.

In this regard, the Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed an amendment to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act: Chapter 51:02 which will see offences expanded from damage to any road or bridge to now include any road and road structure, bridges, walkways, rails, traffic lights installation/equipment, drainage structures, including culverts and water supply structures.

Further, the Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed amending the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act Chapter 8:02 which will see an increase in fines from $20,000 to $30,000, dollars or to imprisonment for a period of ten months.

Persons found guilty will also have to bear the costs of the damage done and/or face the consequence of the inability to use the above-mentioned infrastructural facilities, the Ministry said.