AS part of a raft of measures to address road safety here, Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan has suggested that there be more stringent requirements for the acquisition of drivers’ licences and also re-testing for those who have grown old. He made the comments at the launch of the Guyana National Road Safety Council’s (GNRSC), Road Safety Magazine Vol# 1 at Police Traffic Headquarters Compound, Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan ( seated second from left) flanked by law-enforcement officials followed by GNRSC officials and sponsors holding the magazine

The minister said the destruction and death that are caused by non-adherence to the traffic laws have resulted in greater expenditure on the public hospitals, which also results in families being affected with the loss of vehicles or relatives, financially and/or emotionally.

He noted that for the 31st week of 2016, there were 1096 cases of speeding made out against drivers and alcohol and inattentiveness were major factors. For last year during the same period, there were 516 cases. The minister explained that the magazine is informative in assisting with traffic-related matters. He said the horrific statistics of death and destruction on the roads have made Guyana the highest in and around the Caribbean.

Underscoring that he will plead with Cabinet for more allocations to the GNRSC, Ramjattan said Government will assist in all ways to ensure measures are in place to reduce accidents. Touting one of the measures, he said there is need for a building code that recommends garages to be part of the buildings to ensure that no car is parked on the pavements or roadways. In addition, he said there is greater need for speed bumps along with well-lit roadways.

Another factor he notes is the need for constant road-safety awareness at schools and more stringent measures to obtain drivers’ licences, while re-testing drivers who have reached an elderly age. “Somehow we do not care for ourselves and others, and we do not realize that driving inattentively, driving with speed, under the influence of alcohol and driving in violations of the traffic laws cause great repercussions and consequences can follow, such as death which is the ultimate,” the minister explained.

In urging all drivers, pedestrians and motorists to use the roads with caution, Mr. Ramjattan said the magazine would be informative and many can learn from the content, especially the rules of the road and the consequences. “If at minimum persons take the responsibility of reading it, then be instructed by it to the extent of adhering, then it can benefit all,” he said.

He congratulated all the sponsors and contributors who made the magazine possible.