quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:

quote:

Originally posted by Mad Max:
Did you file a complaint with the police, or are you going by hearsay?

he is definitely going by heresay..

Marnin Uncle Rama

Care to share your opinion on: "Can the State be made liable or not, if it is proven that an employee of the State while in the service of said State a fraudulent licence was issued? Where furthermore, the State is aware that these activities do take place."

I know you are learned too. But am not a heretic Uncle Rama

quote:

Originally posted by Gerhard Ramsaroop:

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:

quote:

Originally posted by Mad Max:
Did you file a complaint with the police, or are you going by hearsay?

he is definitely going by heresay..

Marnin Uncle Rama

Care to share your opinion on: "Can the State be made liable or not, if it is proven that an employee of the State while in the service of said State a fraudulent licence was issued? Where furthermore, the State is aware that these activities do take place."

I know you are learned too. But am not a heretic Uncle Rama

Yes! They can! just hire Khemraj..

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:

quote:

Originally posted by Gerhard Ramsaroop:

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:

quote:

Originally posted by Mad Max:
Did you file a complaint with the police, or are you going by hearsay?

he is definitely going by heresay..

Marnin Uncle Rama

Care to share your opinion on: "Can the State be made liable or not, if it is proven that an employee of the State while in the service of said State a fraudulent licence was issued? Where furthermore, the State is aware that these activities do take place."

I know you are learned too. But am not a heretic Uncle Rama

Yes! They can! just hire Khemraj..

Thank you Uncle Rama!

quote:

Let's not go in circles son. Can the State be made liable or not, if it is proven that an employee of the State while in the service of said State a fraudulent licence was issued? Where furthermore, the State is aware that these activities do take place.

Mad Max, are you still busy?

Corentyne man hospitalised after being hit by truck
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL NEWS | WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

Nigel Campbell, 27, of Number 50 Village, Coren-tyne is currently a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital, after he was struck down by a Canter truck around on Saturday night. His mother, Jane Lindo, a former nurse, said he sustained three broken ribs, a punctured left lung and injuries to his head. He also underwent a “surgery to insert a tube into his stomach to drain the blood that was lodged into his abdominal cavity,” she said. “He is still not able to sit up and [is] crying out for pain, but he is under observation and his condition is said to be stable.”


Nigel Campbell

He was first rushed to the Skeldon Hospital but his mother was not pleased with the treatment he was receiving and hired a car to take him to the New Amsterdam Hospital. “He asked for some water and the nurses said they did not have cup,” she said. She said she had requested an ambulance to transport him but was told that she could not get one. The woman said her son left home to go to a pre-wedding celebration at Number 49 Village and was standing was on the road when the Canter, that was reportedly speeding, hit him at about 8.45pm. He was flung some distance away and ended up under a car, which had to “drive off a little” so persons could attend to him. He was bleeding profusely. Some persons claimed that Campbell, a labourer at a rice mill, was attempting to cross the road. Lindo said she reached to the scene just in time to join the car to accompany her son to the hospital.

The truck bore a Suriname number plate and was driven by a Surinamese who she learnt has since been placed on station bail. He is yet to be charged and she said it “seems as though justice is being delayed.” After the accident, she said, he exited the vehicle before joining it again and driving to the station. She said too that he “did not even go and see my son or talk to me, the mother, as a mark of respect.” She said, “I keep going to the hospital and I am not satisfied with the way things are going. I am going through a lot of expenses right now.” Lindo lamented too that “the police calling me to find out how my son is doing and I had to ask him yesterday why he can’t to the hospital and see for himself.”

Source

We need to start demanding better service from the minibuses
By STABROEK STAFF | LETTERS | WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

Dear Editor,

The minibus situation is out of control and drastic action has to be taken by the citizens of this country who can’t afford a car because this government has shown that this issue is on their backburner and obviously they have no interest at all in providing proper public transportation.

First of all, the authorities in charge should restrict minibuses to the outskirts of Georgetown and any bus going more than 40 miles an hour should be hauled off the roadway, and that includes anywhere in Guyana. Second, undercover policemen from a special task force should be in plain clothes and board minibuses to observe and charge any drivers who abuse and misuse the system in place for the safety and comfort of all passengers. Thirdly, elections are coming and this government has to be compelled to provide some public transportation, especially for our children going to and from school in particular; it’s about time that public buses be provided for the citizenry of this country because minibuses are becoming a threat to regular folks.

Editor, how long are we, the citizens of this country, going to put up with this carnage by these minibuses whose drivers are generally out of control in their attitudes to other drivers and aggressive and abusive to the passengers? How long are we going to tolerate their dangerous driving, overcrowded buses, the playing of loud music and touting for passengers in very agressive ways? How long do we, the citizens, have to bear the great cost of taking care of the injured in our hospitals due to minibus carnage on our roads, not to mention the rehabilitation for the seriously disabled? How long before we get justice in the courts against these minibus offenders?

Editor, for passengers going to the West Coast in the early evening hours, minibuses are charging the full fare ($400) to Parika, even though the passenger might be going to Leonora which should be a lower fare. On top of that, minibuses are putting people off the bus if they do not have the full fare to Parika, leaving passengers stranded at Stabroek Market.

On many minibuses, the conductor who collects money, crouches or stands up to make space for one more passenger and increases the danger and discomfort to the citizens. Many times when citizens object to the callous behaviour of minibus drivers, they are thrown off the bus at the next stop. Many minibuses have treadworn tyres and are not properly serviced, and these factors combined with high speed and reckless driving present real danger to our citizens. I have personally witnessed minibus cell-phone contact about a roadblock by police on the West Coast recently; a minibus at the roadblock called the minibus in which I was travelling (which was overloaded) to warn our driver who then proceeded to unload citizens before reaching the checkpoint.

Editor, the bottom line in the minibus situation is that the dire lack of public transportation in this country is causing the havoc on our roadways by these minibus drivers who have proven that in general, they lack the compassion and sense of responsibility which our citizens deserve. However, we, the citizens, need to realize that this government has absolutely no intention of providing safe public transportation and therefore, we need to start speaking out and demanding better service and courtesy by these people who drive minibuses and think that the roadways belong to them alone.

Yours faithfully,
Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr)

Stabroek News

Kaieteur News

It is time to make our roads safe
By STABROEK STAFF | LETTERS | THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

Dear Editor,

To all who have lost a loved one(s) on our roads, on behalf of the Alicea Foundation/Mothers In Black please accept our sincere condolences. We truly feel your pain as most of these crashes causing death and injuries are avoidable. They can be called accidents.

For over 15 years we have advocated tirelessly to stop this senseless carnage on our roads but our cries are ignored as we continue to shed tears. Most will agree that one single factor is an unlikely cause of these horrendous crashes. It is a combination of the following:-

* Ease of obtaining a licence
* Lack of professional driver training
* Lack of knowledge of the Highway Code
* Lack of vehicle maintenance due to cost
* Second-hand or worn tyres and substitute parts
* Age of the vehicles
* Irrelevance of the annual Vehicle Fitness Test
* Overloading of public transportation to maximize revenue
* Lack of sleeping policemen (road bumps) to prevent speeding
* Consumption of alcohol and/or drugs.
* Speeding

In many instances, particularly in the case of those persons driving our public transportation, the drivers are underage, do not have a licence or have brought their licence as they are unable to read or write. Generally, inexperienced drivers learn to drive in a compound and not on our roads and are coached by existing drivers who ensure their own bad habits are replicated by the novice driver.

Some years ago the Jamaican Government along with the Jamaican National Road Safety Council took drastic measures and suspended all maxi-taxis traversing their roads for a maximum of two months to enforce a legal requirement for all mini-bus drivers to participate and pass an advanced driving instruction test. In addition all drivers, owners and conductors received further education in customer care to raise their awareness of the need for courtesy towards their customers, the mini-bus commuters.

After satisfactory completion of this special safe driving education programme the mini-bus drivers and conductors were then granted a mini-bus licence and ID with photograph included. A mandate of wearing a uniform was also enforced. Bus stops were constructed using funds from paid advertising on the outside of the bus stops that included road safety warnings. The outcome of this exercise reduced road fatalities and injuries in Jamaica by 50%.

The above factors may initially be a huge expense and inconvenience to many but in the long term less expensive than the cost of human tragedy, vehicle replacement and medical expenses. Pedestrians and commuters should also take some responsibility. Why remain inside a speeding vehicle or enter a vehicle when the driver is/has been drinking? Road users are being abused by mini-bus/taxi drivers and yet say or do nothing.

Road deaths have become an epidemic in our country. When we lose our loved ones so abruptly they call it an accident, but for us it is a life-long pain that we have to live with. It is time to make our roads safe.

Yours faithfully,
Denise Dias
The Alicea Foundation/Mothers In
Black

Source

10-yr-old fighting for life
JULY 28, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital are trying to save the life of a 10-year-old girl from Middlesex Village, Essequibo Coast. According to reports, the ten year old, sustained severe head injuries, two broken legs and a broken arm. Reports are that the ten-year-old was returning to her Middlesex home, after performing an errand, when she was hit by a car that was traveling south on the Essequibo Public Road. The ten-year-old, who was riding a bicycle, apparently, did not see the oncoming traffic as she ventured from behind a stationary provision vehicle that had stopped on the Middlesex Public Road.

The ten-year-old was immediately air dashed to Georgetown to receive medical attention. Police have also detained that car driver for questioning.

Source

Mother of Homestretch victim steps up anti-road carnage campaign - distributes hundreds of fliers to commuters
JULY 28, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Two days after burying her son, Doris Anita Shelto, was back on the streets to make her voice heard against reckless drivers. Ms. Shelto’s son, Peter Mc Clennon, was among the five people who perished last week Monday in the Homestretch Avenue crash. He was laid to rest on Sunday. Ms. Shelto has been sticking to her promise to channel all her “anger and pain” to bring a halt to the road carnage.

On Tuesday, the road safety advocate distributed close to 1,000 fliers to commuters at minibus parks around the city. Among other things, the fliers, printed by a city business entity, warned about the dangers of drunk driving, and of drivers chatting on cell phones while driving.

Two Wednesdays ago, she led a picketing exercise outside the Ministry of Home Affairs and at the Sophia minibus park. The Sophia resident and other supporters have also been holding candlelight vigils at the scene of the crash. She has vowed to protest three times a week until something is done by the authorities.

Source

Increased road accidents in rural areas unusual – Road Safety Council
JULY 28, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

The Guyana National Road Safety Council is appealing to all road users, including pedestrians, motor vehicle drivers, and cyclists to be more responsible in their daily activities on the roadways, says Surendra Khayyam, Chairman. He revealed that there is a significant increase in road accidents in the Ancient County, Berbice and in Regions Five and Six, which is unusual for rural areas.

The Chairman added that almost daily road accidents have been occurring in and around Georgetown and areas on the East Coast and the East Bank of Demerara, the West Bank and the West Coast of Demerara. It was observed that there have been major accidents which resulted in loss of lives and serious disability to persons involved. Almost all accidents have a great financial impact on the economy and have caused distress emotionally, physically and significantly affected the social lives of the affected families.

Khayyam noted that the current habitual blunders by many drivers are speeding, driving under the influence (DUI), total neglect for traffic laws and total disregard for the five Cs; Care, Courtesy, Consideration, Caution and the use of Common Sense when using the roads. “The blatant disregard for traffic laws and traffic advisories is the major contributing factor for road accidents which, the council and other stakeholders are desperately trying to reduce substantially.

Pedestrians and cyclists are also to be blamed for their carefree and sloppy attitudes when using the roadways,” he stated. He stressed that the reduction in road accidents can only be achieved with citizens’ input. Khayyam emphasised, “Remember Road Safety is a must, it is my business, your business and everybody’s business.”

Source

Transportation woes for West Demerara folk
JULY 27, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER LETTERS

Dear Editor,

I’m writing to highlight the plight of the people living on West Bank Demerara who depend on the route 31 minibuses (Wales to Georgetown) to get to and from work. It has now become a trend for commuters to have to wait for hours before they can join a bus to get to where they are going. Every morning it is either you wait for over one hour or find extra money to travel via speedboat. Evenings are worst; I pity hardworking women some with little children, elderly persons, school children, walking up Lombard Street hoping to join a bus before it reaches the park.

Most of the buses that work during the day would retire from their day’s work around 5pm and so only about four buses would be seen working, thus causing a congestion. So think how long these persons are stuck at the park have to wait for the buses to reach Wales and go back to Georgetown. One night I had to go to the park at 9.30pm to collect my sister who was waiting since 5.30pm for a bus. To my dismay the park was overcrowded. Imagine coming off work after a hard day and then have to stand waiting for three to four hours before reaching home.

This situation encourages the buses to overload and speed, and passengers do not refuse this further discomfort because they just want to go home. Some months back ‘big buses’ were sent to various parks to assist persons getting home. Maybe this can be continued for the people living on West Bank Demerara. I’m appealing to the Minister of Transport to help resolve this serious issue.

Anthea Spencer

Source

Road deaths down by 17.4% since 2007 - ministry says in reply to Granger
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL NEWS | THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

After criticism that it has contributed to deaths by neglecting road safety, the Home Ministry has said that the police force has managed to reduce the road death rate, which is lower than the average in both low-income and middle-income countries. “Guyana’s efforts show commendable response,” the ministry yesterday said in a statement, issued in response to strong criticism by APNU presidential candidate David Granger, who accused the PPP/C of incompetence in ensuring road safety, saying that recent fatalities were a “shocking reminder” of how dangerous the roadways have become. He also charged that the Ministry of Home Affairs could prevent most road accidents if it implemented correct policing, rigorous law-enforcement, efficient road engineering and proper licensing of vehicle drivers.

According to the ministry, a recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report revealed that the traffic death rate for low-income countries is 21.5 per 100,000 persons, and in middle-income countries 19.5 per 100,000 persons. In comparison, it said the traffic death rates in Guyana in 2009 and 2010 were 15.6 per 100 000 and 15.3 per 100 000, respectively. Although the ministry said government is “deeply concerned about the wanton loss of lives on the road way,” it noted that there is evidence of its “unswerving determination” to implement a comprehensive programme to deal with the situation.

Granger’s contention about a lack of enforcement is sad, the ministry said. It noted that in October 2007, the Guyana Police Force launched ‘Operation Safeway,’ a zero-tolerance programme aimed at strengthening enforcement of traffic regulations. An evaluation of the programme indicates that it has been able to reduce road accidents by 17.4 per cent to date. Also, for the year the Traffic Department has made a total of 35,096 cases comprising 7,660 for speeding, 939 for the breach of condition of road service licences, 579 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 377 for the use of a cellular phone while driving and 272 for the breach of traffic lights.

The ministry said it was also aware that road safety entails proper road infrastructure, markings and signage and in this regard huge sums have been spent in these areas as part of its comprehensive strategy. In 2009, it said, over $8.7 billion was allocated to improve roads and bridges and a further $1.7 billion has been used to rehabilitate and maintain urban, rural and hinterland roads countrywide. In addition, an $87M project has been implemented for the improvements of pavements and sidewalks, widening roads, bridges and footbridges. According to the ministry, resources have also been used to improve traffic lights, install street lights and mark bus stops in the city and works are currently ongoing to clear all encumbrances from the roadways and verges. Over 50 such encumbrances have been removed for the year already.

The implementation of the stray catchers programme, it further said, is also aimed at removing traffic hazards. To date, 724 animals have been impounded. The police have also been proactive in using traffic education programmes and participating in media talks and talks at schools, in order to reduce road deaths. Along with these measures, the ministry said government has strengthened the legislative framework for road use and for responding to road accidents. Among the legislation in place, it said, are laws prohibiting the playing of music in minibuses or hire cars, prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile telephones while driving, and making provision for the use of breathalysers and taking blood samples.

The ministry also noted the claim in a US Report that driving in Guyana is hazardous and that the country’s death rate is 70 per cent higher than in the United States. The 2008 WHO global Status Report on Road Safety states that the traffic death rate in the US is 13.9 per 100 000 population. In 2008, Guyana’s rate was 15.0 per 100 000 population. “Percentage wise, Guyana’s rate was only 7 per cent higher than the US rate; a good performance for a country at this stage of development,” the ministry said. Regarding non fatal road traffic injuries, the US rate was 13.1 per 1000 registered vehicles while Guyana’s was 10.6 per 1000 registered, 24% lower than the US rate, it added.

Stabroek News

Kaieteur News

Translated simply, this means: we are doing enough, we have everything under control, we do not need anyone to tell us what to do, look over there, it is worse than here. smh

Call centre accident victim still unconscious a week later
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL NEWS | FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

A week has passed and Rozena Razack, who was struck down on Lamaha Street, has not yet regained consciousness. The Clear Connect Call Centre employee, according to relatives, cannot breathe on her own and as a result she has been placed on life support. The 37-year-old woman, of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, sustained head injuries and yesterday relatives had noticed that her hands and feet were swollen. She now has a fever as well, a close friend reported.


Rozena Razack

Razack and Yolanda Murphy, another employee of the call centre, were struck down by a car which swerved into their path. Upon impact, the vehicle hurled Razack over its top while Murphy hit the windscreen. Murphy reportedly sustained hand and foot injuries and was discharged from the hospital the following day. Meanwhile, relatives say they have not yet heard anything about the driver who is responsible. On the last occasion Stabroek News spoke to the police, this newspaper was told that the man remained in custody. However, efforts yesterday to confirm if this has remained the same proved to be futile.

A friend of the woman described her as a true humanitarian. “She used to do things just for the sake of doing it,” the friend said. “Seeing her like this is breaking the hearts of many,” she added.

Source

Mad Max, please don't forget to clarify for me: Can the State be made liable or not, if it is proven that an employee of the State while in the service of said State a fraudulent licence was issued? Where furthermore, the State is aware that these activities do take place.

These people who drive like mad men should face some long prison sentences.

quote:

Originally posted by Freaky:
hai Ger, i heard plans in place to convert Sherrif St into a four lane Hwy. whea dea gon get the space from bai?

aks Madman when las he went back to GY

Juss like how dem mek de 4-lane pan McDoom to Eccles - bare confusion, accidents and death.

As for Mad Max, he displays all indications of being another paid Gov't blogger. He seems to have some legal knowledge as well, and has a distinct penchant for arrogance.

quote:

i heard plans in place to convert Sherrif St into a four lane Hwy.

Plenty of space there for four lane motocyle and bicycle lanes

quote:

Originally posted by Gerhard Ramsaroop:

quote:

Originally posted by Freaky:
hai Ger, i heard plans in place to convert Sherrif St into a four lane Hwy. whea dea gon get the space from bai?

aks Madman when las he went back to GY

Juss like how dem mek de 4-lane pan McDoom to Eccles - bare confusion, accidents and death.

As for Mad Max, he displays all indications of being another paid Gov't blogger. He seems to have some legal knowledge as well, and has a distinct penchant for arrogance.

he is a long standing poster given to taking the side of any issue as it suits him without believing in any.

Plus his cardboard home got pretty wet and he lil cratchety.

McDoom man dies after hit by bus
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL NEWS | SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011

A man died on the spot last evening after he was struck down by a speeding minibus on the McDoom Public Road, East Bank Demerara. Dead is Kawall Kassiram, 47, of Lot 10 McDoom, East Bank Demerara. Reports are that around 7:30 last evening, Kassiram was attempting to cross the eastern carriageway of the McDoom Public Road when he was struck down by a speeding minibus, which was headed south along the road at the time. The man died on the spot.

According to one eyewitness, the man was said to be drunk at the time of the incident. “The man would normally come at my shop before it open to drink until late in the day, up to this evening he was at me shop drinking,” said the witness, who claimed he knew Kassiram very well. He added that the man’s parents died some years ago and he did not have any relatives here in Guyana. He said a brother who resides overseas was informed of Kassiram’s death last evening. Another eyewitness told this newspaper that the minibus stopped some 400 feet away from the spot where Kassiram was struck down. “The man got hit down and de bus continue driving, he neva came out to see if de man dead or alive, de bus would a neva stop if de police van didn’t stop it,” the witness said.

At the accident scene last evening, residents expressed their concerns about the amount of road accidents that have occurred since this year commenced. “What are the police officers doing about this? Drivers killing people on de road and all them getting is a six months in prison…. These authorities really need to protect road users before things really get out of hand if is not already,” one person said.

The driver of the bus was taken into police custody.

Source

71 road fatalities so far for 2011- Road Safety Council
JULY 30, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Statistics from the Road Safety Council have revealed that there is an increase in road accidents resulting in deaths of adults and children in 2011 thus far, as compared to this particular time span in 2010. According to Romona Doorgen, Coordinator, within the first seven months in 2010 there were 62 accidents resulting in the deaths of 59 adults and four children. While for this year, so far, there were 65 accidents and 71 fatalities, including five children. Statistics show that in 2009, 18 children died as a result of vehicular accidents; seven children died in 2010. For the first quarter of this year, only one child died in a vehicular accident, in 2009 the figure was four, and two in 2010. Doorgen noted that the Council has a ten-year period with statistics showing pedestrians are the most vulnerable on the roadways.

Recently, most reports of the accidents involving pedestrians indicate that they were at the corner of the road when hit by a speeding vehicle, she added. Doorgen stressed that most of these accidents occur when drivers are under the influence of alcohol and are speeding. Under these circumstances it is easy for drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Within recent months, two cousins, Alika Samuels and Shaka Anthony, were killed in an accident at One Mile, Wismar, Linden. Kishrie Persaud was killed by a hit-and-run driver; nine-year-old Jaswattie Ramnauth was killed by a speeding vehicle; and several passengers of a speeding minibus were killed in an accident on Homestretch Avenue, she stated.

It was noted that errant drivers are brought before the court and prosecuted. She emphasized that there are several cases ongoing. The minibus driver involved in the Homestretch Avenue accident has been remanded to prison and is scheduled to reappear in court September 9. The driver involved in the accident which claimed the life of nine-year-old Jaswattie Ramnauth and severely injured her brother, Vijai Ramnauth, has been charged and the matter is ongoing in court.

However, there are those unfortunate hit and run accidents that result in injustice being meted out to victims of accidents. Doorgen noted that the Council wants Guyanese to volunteer as members of the Road Safety Council. She emphasized that eradicating road accident particularly those resulting in fatalities is the aim of the Council.

Source

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, road deaths are down 17.4% since 2007. However, the statistics above show road deaths for 2011 to be 12.7% higher than the same period in 2010.

Blame de traffic police
By STABROEK EDITOR | POLITICAL ANALYSIS | TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2011

The time has come to stop beating around the bush about these horrendous minibus smash-ups on our roads that end in multiple fatalities. Such catastrophes occur ever so often and we spend the interregnum between tragedies demonizing minibus drivers as if there is anything that we can do to alter a mindset that is underpinned by little more than recklessness and an un-mindfulness for life and limb. Let’s face it, if we cannot change the attitudes of reckless minibus drivers we at least have the power to make them change the jobs they do. This is where the police come in. The only way the recklessness will stop and the fatalities will be reduced is if we enforce the law rigidly. THAT IS WHAT LIES IN OUR POWER! THAT IS WHAT WE MUST DO! It makes no sense bumping our gums about how mindless some minibus drivers are. That changes nothing.

And who are the people to enforce the law? the police. And are they doing it anywhere as effectively as they should or can? No! No! A thousand times, no! And the Minister of Home Affairs and the Police Commissioner know this. They know that however many road safety campaigns you have that will not stop the minibus madness. The Police Traffic Department has to put in the boot! Never mind the laws. Never mind the regulations. De police must get dread.

Nobody in authority wants to talk about that. It’s easier to demonize the minibus drivers and to make the commuters feel that somehow they are responsible for the carnage on the roads. “De passengers must talk up about the speeding,” the PPP/C says. As if talking up helps. Some the drivers are so confident in their connections that commuters are ordered off buses at the slightest protest.

It is not the commuters who need to do the talking up. It is people like us. And we need to talk up about the culture of corruption that passes for a public transportation system. Is de top up culture; de lef something culture. Some minibuses these days serve two purposes. The first is to provide public transport and the second, to provide a subsidy for some police officers. People have been heard to make comments like “de police gat shares in dem minibus” and “de minibus dem throwin box wid de police.” And lives are ransomed to recklessness and life goes on and when another Homestretch Avenue carnage happens we jump pon the minibus drivers……..as if they care.

And what about the policemen who own minibuses……special buses, where drivers can speed and overload to their hearts’ content because no police can stop them; the only thing that can stop them is another speeding vehicle, or a lamp post or some other immovable object; and then we go into another interlude of nonsense. So that if we want to stop the carnage it has to start with stopping the top up culture. The minibus/police box hand culture, the lef something culture; and those policemen who are looking to earn something extra they must plant up deh back yard and sell greens. Policemen owning minibuses is a conflict of interest. It makes the policemen part of the problem which means they cannot be part of the solution.

Source

Late night accident victims robbed - suspect arrested after found with strange ID card
JULY 31, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

A two-vehicle collision at McDoom which saw the passengers being robbed by gunmen ended with traffic police arresting one of the suspects. The suspect, who vehemently denied that he was involved in the robbery, was unable to explain why he was in possession of a strange identification card. Backup police who arrived on scene did not buy his story.


This suspected robber was arrested Friday night after he was accused of robbing a number of accident victims. He was found with a strange ID card.

The incident occurred shortly after 22:00hrs when a West Demerara minibus made a U-turn at the gas station at McDoom, East Bank Demerara. Turning into that eastern carriageway, it collided with a Tapir coming from the direction of the city. The minibus ended up hanging precariously over the drain with the Tapir bracing it alongside. Two traffic ranks on motorcycles arrived shortly after and were told by the passengers that they were also robbed. A female passenger who declined to give her name to the newspaper told police that they were standing around the vehicles when two men approached them. The robbers were both carrying guns and one of them “cranked” up his and demanded that the woman hand over the handbag she was carrying. They took the bag and strolled casually through the street and into the darkness.

The two traffic ranks immediately sped off into the street and returned minutes later with a man dressed in a red toque, black vest and short sports pants. The man was immediately identified as one of the gunmen. “Me? Is na me. I just come from Ruimveldt, bossman. I cooking and deh at home and the police tek me out meh house.” Police checked the haversack and seemed almost convinced of his story when they found a cell phone and an identification card that did not carry the image of the suspect. “Bossman, I find de card at the corner and I was carrying it back but I na get no time.” However, backup police who arrived did not immediately believe the story and took him into custody. He is likely to face armed robbery charges.


The two vehicles that were involved in the accident at McDoom on Friday night.

Source

This was in Kaieteur News today, but not in the online edition:

Three accidents, including one fatality, in two days on the 4-lane "Highway" section in McDoom and Agricola.

The two vehicle accidents, while no doubt carelessness contributed, are bound to occur where there are no storage lanes.

The solution is, as I pointed out in my paper in the beginning of this thread is to remove the concrete median, and make this section a three lane road - two lanes into Georgetown, and one lane out. Further, one of the useless set of traffic lights in Georgetown can be moved to the junction of Brutus St and the East Bank Highway.

Biker dies after losing control on Ave of the Republic
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2011

Elvis Singh died on Saturday after riding into a pool of water and subsequently losing control of his motorbike. According to a press release issued by the police, the 53-year-old man of 117 Non Pariel was proceeding along Avenue of the Republic when he rode into some water and lost control of his motor cycle. He fell and sustained injuries. He was then taken to the GPHC where he was pronounced dead. The incident occurred around 11 pm on Saturday.

The family of Singh said they are unsure about what exactly happened and up to press time, the brothers had still not received any word from the police. The family plans to bury the man as soon as possible after a post-mortem is carried out. Singh has left six children to mourn.

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quote:

Originally posted by Gerhard Ramsaroop:








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Good thread. I'll read this through tomorrow.

quote:

Originally posted by Praetorian.GY: Good thread. I'll read this through tomorrow.

Thanks bro. I would welcome your input.

BREAKING NEWS: Two manganese company employees dead in road accident
Written by Denis Scott Chabrol
Tuesday, 02 August 2011 09:50

Two Guyanese employees of the Canadian-owned Reunion Manganese Incorporated were killed and two others injured in a road accident at Arakaka, North West District, a family member of one of the deceased said Tuesday. Reunion, a Quebec-headquartered company, has been granted an exploratory license to revive manganese mining in north-western Guyana.

Dead are Hesbron Abrams and 22-year old Carlos Hinds. Two others - Rajesh Dhanraj and a man whose only name was given as Lewis - are being air-dashed to a city hospital. The driver, Edmond Duncan, has been taken into police custody. Hinds’ aunt, Glennys Beaton, told Demerara Waves Online News (www.demwaves.com) that the accident occurred around 11 PM Monday night. he said she learnt that a truck was taking sand from Port Kaituma to Matthews Ridge when it turned over on a turn at Arakaka.

Abrams was a sampler and Hinds was a geo-technical personnel. Abrams, the only child for his mother, was an old student of Richard Ishmael Secondary School and the Government Technical Institute.

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I just realized in Guyana,they undertake other drivers, in NA, we overtake.

Corentyne man hit by truck dies
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

Karran Chooraman, 24, who was struck down and dragged some 20 feet just over a week ago, died yesterday morning. Chooraman, a Crown Spot Lemonade employee, of Tain, Corentyne, was unloading lemonade from the parked company truck on July 21, when another truck, proceeding in the opposite direction, struck him and dragged him.

It was alleged that the driver of the other truck had fallen asleep at the wheel. Upon realising this, the person sitting in the passenger seat next to him turned the wheel, causing the vehicle to swerve and hit Chooraman. Chooraman had suffered major internal bleeding in his head and abdomen, and was being treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Relatives of Chooraman told Stabroek News that on Saturday, doctors from the GPHC had told them that Chooraman was stable from his neck down but still had some head injuries. The doctors had taken him off of the life support machine and he was breathing normally until 5:30 yesterday morning. The relatives told this newspaper that they are waiting for a post-mortem to be done before they take the body back to their home in Corentyne.

While the driver of the truck had been taken into custody after the accident, Chooraman’s family was unaware of his fate.

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quote:

Originally posted by Gerhard Ramsaroop:


It was alleged that the driver of the other truck had fallen asleep at the wheel. Upon realising this, the person sitting in the passenger seat next to him turned the wheel, causing the vehicle to swerve and hit Chooraman.

Shoulda lef the man sleepin he was doing good.

quote:

Originally posted by cain:
I just realized in Guyana,they undertake other drivers, in NA, we overtake.

Indeed cainsta

Boy, 8, dies after being hit by car at Ruimzigt
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

An out-of-control car yesterday slammed into a group of children along the Ruimzigt Public Road, at West Coast Demerara, killing an eight-year-old boy on the spot while leaving his companions traumatised. The driver, who fled the scene after the accident, later returned and is now in police custody. The dead boy, Joshua Daniels, and his family came from Mabura to attend a church convention. They were spending time with relatives who live at Lot 29 Ruimzigt Gardens, where the accident occurred. The accident occurred at around 4pm, when the driver of the car PJJ 1837, which was speeding west along the Ruimzigt Public Road, lost control of his vehicle and slammed into Daniels.

Police said the driver allegedly swerved to avoid another vehicle that was in his driving lane, causing him to lose control of the vehicle, which toppled and struck down Daniels. The boy was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.


Joshua Daniels

The driver of the vehicle was identified only as “Assif” and was said to be the owner of a restaurant at La Jalousie, on the West Coast of Demerara
According to reports, the dead child and his other siblings, Marcelo Mendonca, 13, Marlon Daniels, 10, Paul Khan, 7, and Stephanie Daniels, 10, were standing in front of the walkway when the accident occurred. The others managed to escape the fatal accident by running into the yard.

“I just see something coming tumbling down and we run in we yard but when I look back Joshua was not there,” said a shaken Mendonca. According to an eyewitness, the boy was standing at the door of a car in front of the residence with his siblings nearby. The car, which came from the east, “lash out two bridge and slammed into de lil guy,” he said. “I rush out me yard and scramble onto de boy but he de already dead… I halla fuh help but the driver jumped out of the driver seat of his vehicle and grabbed a box and fled the scene with a car that stopped for him,” he added. “I halla fuh help but the driver hurry off while de other driver telling he “Hurry, don’t wait to give no statement until you get your lawyer. Let we go. Don’t wait on no police until you get your lawyer.’” They then drove away with one speed, the witness added. He further said, “The position that the poor boy was in, it looked as though when the car plunged into de trench he tried to run but it was too late.”

The boy’s mother, Margaret Moses, wept uncontrollably. “I came from Mabura to go to a church convention and now my son is dead. My daughter told me mummy don’t go….if I had only known,” she said. (Roxanne Clarke)

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Pic from KN story

10 road deaths monthly – Road Safety Council
AUGUST 4, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

The increasing number of deaths on the roadways is a major concern to the Guyana Road Safety Council. Statistics show that almost every month 10 persons die as a result of road accidents, says Surendra Khayyam, Chairman. Khayyam added that to date there were 72 deaths on the roadways and of that number 25 were pedestrians. It was emphasized that pedestrians are the most vulnerable on the roadways. He made that revelation yesterday at the launching of the Council’s ‘Programme of Activities’ at the Umana Yana, Kingston.


National Stakeholders at the launching of the Guyana National Road Safety Council’s ‘Programme of Activities’ at the Umana Yana, Kingston

The Council engages in daily activities to promote road safety and this programme is geared towards endorsing the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011 to 2020, under the theme ‘Wear, Believe, Act.’ The programme of activities focuses on training of volunteers, traffic education village; and Month of Activities. Volunteerism plays an integral role in the promotion of road safety awareness. The Council has been calling on every citizen to become a volunteer and is so far successful in garnering support from over 300 persons. It was revealed that the response from the public has been overwhelming as many persons are contacting the Council daily.

Khayyam said that the training of the volunteers is expected to focus on the School Traffic Safety Team Manual. After completing the two-day training which is scheduled from August 18 at the Guyana International Conference Centre, volunteers are expected to return to their respective districts, where they would become the liaison between the Council and the Region. The volunteers would be equipped to conduct lectures at schools to aid the promotion of road safety. In addition, painting pedestrian crossings and other community work focused on road safety are expected to be executed by the volunteers.

The Council is anticipating the participation of thousands in road safety of its Traffic Education Village programme. Khayyam stated that this would be a three-day symposium held from October 27, where stakeholders could interact and make contributions towards the reduction of road fatalities and accidents and promote safer roadways. He added that other activities planned under this programme include the continued training of school road safety patrols. It was noted that the Council has trained and equipped hundreds of schools and is looking to expand its reach.

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Mad Max, I am still awaiting your response in our little discussion on vicarious liability.

To recap: Can the State be made liable or not, if it is proven that an employee of the State while in the service of said State a fraudulent licence was issued? Where furthermore, the State is aware that these activities do take place.

quote:

Originally posted by Gerhard Ramsaroop:

quote:

Originally posted by TK_REDUX:
Gerhard,

If they implement these things you proposed many lives will be saved. These make so much sense. Hope early next year we will be in a position of influence to implement them.

Thanks bro. An AFC Gov't is only a matter of time, one in which you will be a part of, and make the lives of our ing

Let us not forget the acts committed upon Gomattie Singh by the AFC.

Lamaha St accident victim succumbs after 13 days
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

Rozena Razack, who was struck down on July 21 on Lamaha Street, yesterday succumbed to her injuries at the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital. The 37-year-old woman, of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, was in an unconscious state ever since her admission to the hospital. She was also unable to breathe on her own and as such, was on life support. According to relatives, she died around 2:30 yesterday morning.

Fourteen days ago Razack and Yolanda Murphy, employees of the Clear Connect Call Centre, were knocked down by a driver who swerved into their path.
The two, who were among a large group of friends also from the call centre, were walking ahead with two others, who managed to swiftly move out of harm’s way while Razack was hurled over the top of the vehicle and Murphy reportedly crashed through the windscreen, landing in the front seat of the car.


Rozena Razack

Murphy reportedly sustained hand and foot injuries and was discharged from the hospital the following day while Razack suffered major head injuries.
Close friends had reported that Razack started to develop a fever while her hands, feet and face had begun swelling prior to her death. When Stabroek News contacted a police official yesterday, this newspaper was informed that police were up to that point, unaware of Razack’s death. The official further stated that some investigation will begin and that information will be provided at a later time. However, subsequent efforts to contact the official proved to be unsuccessful.

Nevertheless, a relative of Razack was able to, late last night, confirm that the driver responsible has since been arrested. friend of the woman recently described her as a true humanitarian. “She used to do things just for the sake of doing it,” the friend said. Another close friend of the woman told this newspaper that they were all devastated.

Rozena Razack will be buried today at the Ogle Cemetery after a viewing at her parents’ Better Hope home.

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UPDATED: Three dead in Region 7 truck accident
Written by Demerara Waves
Saturday, 06 August 2011 13:28


One of the injured being taken into the Bartica Hospital (phone pic by Bartica Citizen Reporter)

A husband and wife are among three persons killed in a trucking accident at Armoo, Cuyuni, reports say. According to information reaching Demerara Waves Online News (www.demwaves.com), the truck toppled in what is one of Guyana's gold-rich regions. Dead are Shevy Anthony Jhingoree,29, of Norton Street, Wortmanville, Joseph Perez known as "Cow",32, and his wife, Shaleza Perez known as "Baby"of Third Avenue Bartica. The couple were on top of the fuel-laden truck that developed mechanical problems as it climbed a hill.

The truck left Bartica around 3 AM Saturday for Quartz Stone. Police spokesman, Ivelaw Whittaker later said that "at about 0930h, motor lorry GMM 2441 was proceeding along a trail at Bottom Arawak, Arimu, with a load of fuel and nine passengers, seven of whom were in the tray of the vehicle, when the driver lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a turn." Arimu is located about 15 miles west of Bartica, a gold-mining township in southern Guyana.

Two persons were admitted to the Bartica Hospital and at least five others were transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for further treatment. The driver was treated and sent away and was taken into police custody to assist with investigations. This latest accident comes five days after one at Arakaka, North West district, Region 1, in which two Guyanese employees of the Canadian-owned Reunion Manganese Incorporated were killed.

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