Disturbed by the increasing number of deaths on the country’s roads, President Irfaan Ali today instructed the Guyana Police Force to establish a comprehensive strategy, and launch a new awareness campaign to address the issue of reckless driving.
Speaking at the opening of the Annual Police Officers’ Conference this morning, the President said the reckless driving on the country’s roadways needs to come to an end.
“One of my greatest distresses as I speak to you this morning is what is transpiring on our roadways. Yes, it is a function of capacity in terms of our infrastructure, the number of vehicles, but it is also pure recklessness and stupidity from those who risk their lives and families but more importantly, put other families’ lives at risk with their reckless behaviour. This must stop,” President Ali said.
The President’s admonition comes at a time when the country is confronting a high number of road fatalities.
According to the Guyana Police Force, as of Wednesday, April 26, a total of 50 persons have lost their lives due to vehicular accidents, including one of the Presidential Guards.
Urging the Senior officers at the conference to place the issue of traffic accidents and road deaths high on the agenda, the President pointed to the fact that the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Amendment Act, bars bar owners and operators from serving alcoholic beverages to persons who are likely to drive. This legislation, he said, must be implemented to curb drunk driving.
“We must implement this legislation, this guideline to a ‘T.’ At the end of this officers’ conference, we must launch a massive education campaign, community by community, road by road,” the President said while also calling for the creation of a comprehensive strategic plan to tackle the issue head-on.
The Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act was amended in 2022 to create a mechanism for licence holders to be more accountable. There are reports that indicate that bar owners are not fulfilling their obligations under the Law to prevent drinking and driving.
The Law also mandates bar owners and operators to post signs that discourage drinking and driving at conspicuous places on the licensed premises, and ensure that announcements are made at regular intervals on the premises that persons should not drink and drive.
Bar owners who are found guilty of flouting the laws, could face a fine of $100,000 for their first offence, and $200,000 for their second offence.
The Senior Police Officers’ Conference wraps up on Saturday. Over the next two days, the lawmen are expected to discuss and examine a number of strategies related to the work of the Guyana Police Force and its officers.
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