Guyana to get traffic wardens; concerns linger
Written by Denis Scott Chabrol
Thursday, 04 August 2011 23:18


The National Assembly in session on Thursday

Traffic wardens are to be soon trained and deployed and while the two major opposition parties on Thursday supported the move, they told the National Assembly of fears that the wardens could become another band of bribe-takers. When assented by the president, the amended Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Amendment Act (2011) would see the recruitment, training and deployment of 100 traffic wardens. They would be paid the same starting salary of GUY$52,353 as police.

Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, in piloting debate on the law, assured that no “rag-tags” would be recruited because the criteria would include education, moral values and work-ethic. Being a rural constable, he said, might be added which would give the wardens the power of arrest.
They would be deployed mostly in congested areas of Georgetown and on long stretches of highways that are often not policed, he added. “The wardens will not replace the traffic ranks. The wardens will buttress the existing number of traffic ranks on the roads,” he told the 65-seat National Assembly.

Training would focus on traffic laws, duties, laws of evidence, case-file preparations, courtroom ethics, anger management and first-aid. The Police Commissioner may, with the approval of the minister, appoint any person a traffic warden. The lists of applicants are to be published for public perusal before they are appointed.

Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR) front-bencher, Basil Williams welcomed the move to introduce traffic wardens, saying it should have been done a long time ago. “Wardens ought to have been appointed a long time ago but they come now after the pillaging and wanton loss of lives on our roads,” he said. He hoped that the wardens would not engage in bribe-taking and that their performance would be adequately monitored. “The wardens, we hope, will turn out to be clean wardens and not roadside courts,” he said.

Alliance For Change (AFC) parliamentarian, Sheila Holder welcomed the amendment but she identified several problems including social ills such as a drug and alcohol abuse by minibus operators, non-functioning traffic lights, lack of street-lighting and stray animals. Holder also expressed concern about bribery, corruption and the ownership of some minibuses by members of the Guyana Police Force. “Corruption in the issuance of drivers’ licences and in the taking of bribes by some policemen in lieu of charging the road offender,” she said. “Given the low level of wages, the temptation would be real for the wardens to go the route of the traffic cops who make extra on the traffic route,” she added. The absence of traffic education for school-children and adults and no storage-lanes on some highways, she said, would not be addressed by the wardens. The AFC, she said, supported the new system because it would help to ease congestion.

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Traffic wardens to be enlisted in road safety
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011

A “new component of safety” will be added to the country’s roads with the approval of legislation that will see the appointments of traffic wardens to police areas in Georgetown and dangerous stretches of country roads, Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee says. Rohee piloted the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2011 through the House on Thursday night and said that the new wardens will allow members of the understaffed Guyana Police Force to focus their energies on more pressing matters. He emphasised, however, that the wardens will not replace regular traffic ranks on the road. The law is aimed at finding a solution to the larger problem of safety on the roads, he said.

The Bill was passed with the support of all the parties though some concern was expressed by speakers from the opposition PNCR-1G and the AFC in relation to corruption. The amendments, when signed into law by the President, will see the appointments of traffic wardens to issue tickets and perform other traffic policing duties. It empowers the Commissioner of Police with the approval of the Minister to appoint a person as a traffic warden. The functions of a traffic warden, the bill’s explanatory memorandum says, are to assist members of the Police Force in the control and regulation of traffic and in the enforcement of the law relating to road traffic. A traffic warden, it adds, may issue traffic tickets and perform duties similar to that of a member of the Police Force.

The bill also sets a $30,000 penalty and a six-month period of imprisonment for any person who is convicted of failing to comply with the directions given by a traffic warden, obstructs a traffic warden in the execution of duty, or incites others to do the same. This bill comes in the wake of a spate of recent fatal accidents on the country’s road ways. Recently the presidential candidate of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) David Granger had accused the PPP/C administration of incompetence in ensuring road safety. The Home Affairs Ministry, however, 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. The ministry said that road deaths are down by 17.4 percent since 2007.

In the National Assembly on Thursday, PNCR Parliamentarian, Basil Williams said that the step should have been taken a long time ago. Citing recent accidents, he urged that something be done to rein in errant minibus operators. “Something is wrong with the culture of our minibus drivers on the road,” he observed. Transport Minister, Robeson Benn in response, said that the issue with minibuses has a lot to do with self-regulation.

AFC MP Shelia Holder, in her presentation, asked whether the introduction of wardens will improve the problems on the road. She referred to the issue of corruption: police taking bribes; the failure of government to properly regulate the minibus sector; the lack of enforcement of traffic laws and the conflict of interest with policemen owning minibuses. She also asked about the remuneration of the wardens.

PNCR Parliamentarian, Deborah Backer asked why the Commissioner of Police has to give the names to the Minister for approval. She also asked when the wardens will be seen on the roads and advocated a public information campaign.

In wrapping up debate, Rohee urged that the Bill be given a change to succeed. He said that it is quite possible that there will be a pilot of the programme and there will be a public information programme. He said that the city will be the focal point of attention but they will also look at placing wardens at dangerous stretches of country roads. He said that 100 wardens will be recruited in the first stage and it has been proposed that wardens will be paid $52,353 per month in line with starting salary in the police force.

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At least something is being done. However, in typical fashion it is but a mere knee jerk reaction. The core issues of illegal licences and badly demarcated and designed road systems are not being addressed. The seriousness of the situation continues to elude the ruling elite who are becoming ever increasingly disconnected with the reality of working-class life in Guyana.

Three more Homestretch Ave victims discharged from hospital
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011

Shawn Archibald, 10 and Renisha Benjamin, 8, were earlier this week discharged from the George-town Public Hospital (GPH), after spending more than two weeks after the Homestretch Avenue accident that claimed five lives. Archibald had sustained severe head injuries, had to undergo two surgeries, and was placed on life support. When Stabroek News last visited the lad on Tuesday, he was up and about the Paediatric Ward of the GPH, excited to hear that he would be discharged the following day. His three-year-old sister Tatian Smith had been discharged on Sunday. Benjamin was discharged on Tuesday.

The three children along with several others were hospitalised following the accident, in which a route 48 minibus turned turtle after suffering a blowout. The driver of the bus has since been charged with multiple counts of causing of death by dangerous driving.

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The system works! Justice served to errant conductor
AUGUST 7, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER LETTERS

Dear Editor,

Shortly after the Homestretch Avenue tragedy, I penned a letter about an unpleasant encounter I had with a route 42 minibus driver, (BKK 4362) whom I had rebuked for overloading his vehicle. Those who read that letter would recall that this conductor boasted that he had “a brother at CID,” and I couldn’t get him locked up. You may also recall that I’d taken his photograph and one of the bus licence number, which I had turned over to the police. So here’s the sequel.

Police Public Relations Officer Ivelaw Whittaker passed my information over to Traffic officials, who immediately tried to locate this conductor. It wasn’t an easy task. Minibus BKK 4362 had disappeared from the road. The traffic ranks eventually located the vehicle and its female owner in Herstelling, East Bank Demerara. It turned out that the woman was the conductor’s wife. But the police were unaware of the connection, so the woman gave them a fictitious name and address for the conductor. After impounding the bus, the cops went to the bogus address and of course failed to locate their man. Eventually, they released the vehicle. But one persistent senior rank decided to have the bus impounded again a few days later.

This time, the conductor with the ‘police contacts’ was on the vehicle. He was detained overnight at the Providence Police Station, and appeared in court the following day. That conductor uttered not a single word in his defense as he stood before Magistrate Leslie Sobers. I was amazed. Was this ‘lamb’ the same ‘bad man conductor’ who had boasted about his brother at CID headquarters? Could it be that he had a twin brother? For his conduct towards this passenger, Magistrate Sobers ordered him remanded for seven days. He is scheduled to return to court tomorrow to pay his fine for overloading. As for his wife, she was charged and fined by the same magistrate for providing the police with false information.

I wish to commend the traffic ranks for their persistence, and Magistrate Leslie Sobers for showing zero tolerance to this contemptuous minibus operator. I also wish to commend another group of traffic ranks for refusing to be intimidated by the occupant of a pickup who had threatened to have them fired for stopping his vehicle. This incident also occurred last month on the East Coast of Demerara and was witnessed by my Kaieteur News colleague, Dale Andrews. Dale told me that he was heading home one night when he saw a female traffic rank stop a pickup. The occupants were an overseas-based father and son. The father appeared to be intoxicated and the son was driving.

According to Dale, the female rank asked the driver to produce the permit that overseas-based drivers are given. He said that the father and son immediately began to hurl abuse at the hapless female rank. At that point, the policewoman sought ‘back up’ from her male colleagues who were nearby. The most senior of the ranks ordered the occupants out of the pickup and got a ‘cussing out’ in response. Eventually, the two men exited the vehicle, with the father boasting about the big financial investments he had made in Guyana, and warning that he would contact a senior government official and have the ranks fired.

Outraged by the man’s arrogance, Dale said that he immediately identified himself and gave the man the government official’s cell number. The father took out his cell phone and contacted the official. A brief conversation followed, during which the man complained to the official and also remarked that someone identifying himself as “Dale Andrews from Kaieteur News” was nearby. At that point, the government official at the other end immediately hung up the phone, leaving the boastful pickup occupant to face the music on his own. Father and son were then escorted to the Vigilance Police Station, where they were given free lodging for the night. They were both charged and fined the following day.

But one cannot help but wonder how this incident would have turned out if Dale Andrews had not been present. One wonders if those ranks would have found themselves transferred to some remote location merely for doing their duty. Again, kudos to the traffic police for not being bullied by those who boast of having friends in high places. It’s time we all do the same.

Michael Jordan
Journalist

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Boy, 10, struck down by car
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2011

A 10-year old boy was yesterday struck down by a speeding car on Norton Street, Georgetown. The child, Winston Duncan, was in a conscious state when he later arrived at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).

The accident occurred at around 4 pm, when a car, which was proceeding south along Vlissengen Road came into contact with another vehicle which was travelling west on Norton Street. At the time, Duncan was entering his yard, when the vehicle travelling on Norton Street came into contact with him. The child tried to escape the speeding car, but was hit. As a result, he suffered injuries to his head and bruises to other parts of his body.

When Stabroek News visited the accident scene, residents complained about the many accidents which have been occurring along the road, due to the bushes that block the view of drivers using Norton Street. One resident said that there are frequent accidents every week at the junction. “Vehicles going south when they get to the intersection there is poor visibility of vehicles going west to east,” he said.

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Accident at Parika leaves one injured
AUGUST 9, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

A woman is in severe pain following an accident that occurred on Sunday night. A car that left a wedding house a few doors away was reversing when it struck Rosanna Hernandes of Lot 38 Parika Outfall, East Bank Essequibo. The victim said that a few minutes prior to the accident she had stepped out of her home to get some fresh air on the bridge. The woman alleged that the driver of the vehicle was drunk at the time of the accident.


The injured Hernandes on her way to the Georgetown Hospital.

Hernandes said “when he knock me I fall down and start bawling fuh me husband”. The woman added that when her husband came out he picked her up and put her to sit. She recalled that she was unconscious for a moment and her husband put some water on her so that she could be revived. This publication was told that when the victim’s husband confronted the driver of the vehicle he insisted that he did not hit the woman, “she was on the ground before his vehicle came to a halt”.

Hernandes claimed that the driver was arrogant and he called his “mother” who also displayed similar behaviour. “She jus come and cuss up me husband. She start go on and seh she son ain’t do nothing”, the woman stated. However, according to reports from the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Guyana Police Force, it was Hernandes’ husband, Clement Thorne, who was arrogant. The PRO went on to say that Thorne “made a scene” and attacked the owner of the vehicle. The man then reportedly began to damage the vehicle.

The victim was taken to the Leonora Hospital where she was given an injection and sent away without any particular examinations. Hernandes said that she was in pain all night and decided to head to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to receive further treatment yesterday. She was accompanied by her sister-in-law and another relative.

The driver, whose identity had not been disclosed, was arrested by ranks from the Parika Police Station for dangerous driving and was subsequently placed on station bail. He was released following his bail payment. Thorne was also arrested for damage of property and placed on bail.

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Are drivers reckless because they know there are no consequences when they cause an accident?
By STABROEK STAFF | LETTERS | TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2011

Dear Editor,

When I first learned about Rozena Razack being in the Intensive Care Unit I hoped and prayed she would survive, but that was not to be. You see, I knew Rozena since she was a teenager; she was always pleasant and smiling. In the same edition that reported Rozena’s death is the report of little Joshua Daniels, who was killed by a vehicle not on the road but in his own front yard.

Then there was the young woman on West Demerara who was killed by a 4×4, and as we understand the driver of the killer vehicle drove away after striking the victim and young Hinds, the only son of his father. This is not forgetting the minibus on Homestretch Avenue that took five lives. Editor, all these deaths in road accidents took place within days of each other. Of course, accidents don’t just happen, they are caused. So what are the causes?

They include drivers who get their licences through corruption and don’t know the traffic rules, such as the reason for the amber on the traffic lights or the double yellow line; drivers who talk and giggle on the cellphone or hold a bottle or alcoholic drink when driving; or drivers who smoke a herb but wear dark sunshades to hide their red eyes.

Or could it be reckless drivers know that when someone is killed on the road the driver is held for a few hours then released, and the matter is not heard of again?

Yours faithfully,
WP George

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Licensing Authorities need to get their act together
AUGUST 9, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER LETTERS

Dear Editor,

Having travelled by minibus on the three occasions when my wife and I returned to Guyana I can tell you that there are some things that would not be permitted in Britain, such as fold down seats between fixed seats, overloading in excess of the number of fixed seats, drivers using a mobile phone while at the wheel, a driver or conductor not using a seat belt or use of a music player above a reasonable level, or driving without a Public Performance License or a conductor collecting a fare without giving a ticket that shows – where the passenger got on and how much was paid.

Any of these offenses can cost a driver 3 points on his license and if he collects 12 points he loses his license and is banned from driving for up to 2 years while Public Performance License offence can result in Magistrates Court appearance with a fine of about £1,000 ($320,000Guy) plus a breach of copyright offence in the County Court that can cost him another £1,000 to £2,000.

The Guyana licensing authority needs to get their act together and give the travelling public what they are entitled to: good, safe, comfortable travel.

Don Johnson
Wallasey, UK

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One killed, three injured in accident
AUGUST 12, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

A 29-year-old man was killed when the vehicle in which he was travelling was struck by another car. The fatal collision occurred just after 01:00 hrs yesterday morning at the junction of David and Lamaha Streets, in Kitty. The victim, Akeem Moffett called T.O. of West Ruimveldt, was on his way home when tragedy struck. Moffett was one of three passengers in a car driven by Orwin McQuely.

Mc Quely recounted that he was driving north along Lamaha Street and was attempting to cross over David Street when another driver, who was travelling east on the thoroughfare slammed into him. Moffett who was the most seriously injured was reportedly at the scene for approximately 30 minutes before being transported to the Georgetown Hospital via ambulance. He succumbed shortly after.

Police were summoned to the scene and the other occupants of the car were taken to the Kitty Station to assist with investigations. The other two other passengers, Rayon Spencer and Quacy Jamad, did not suffer any significant injury. The driver of the other car, who was with his wife, received no injuries. There was glass scattered all over the road and a lamp post was split in two as a result of the accident. Both drivers are reportedly in police custody assisting with investigations.

Moffett’s mother Jean Chisholm was inconsolable when she received the news of her son’s demise. When Kaieteur News visited the man’s home, his relatives were trying to come to grips with the tragic and sudden loss. His nine-year-old daughter described her father as being very loving and helpful. Akeem Moffett will be buried today.

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Man dies after Kitty collision
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2011

A man died after being involved in an accident which occurred at 1 am yesterday at David and Lamaha streets, Kitty. Dead is Akeem `Theo’ Moffett, 29, of 451 West Ruimveldt. He was sitting in the back, left seat of a Carina 212 proceeding west along David Street when another car, PMM 3023, driving north along Lamaha Street, collided with the left side of the Carina. The Carina then slammed into the lantern post situated at the corner of Lamaha and David. Upon impact, Moffett hit his head on the roof of the car and suffered a cracked skull. He later succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital. There were three other men in the vehicle with Moffett and they were all unconscious after impact.

Ryan Spencer, 30, who was also in the car with Moffett sustained a puncture in his head and a broken arm. He told Stabroek News that they had just turned off Sheriff Street and were on their way home when the other vehicle “lashed” into them. “The car lash into we then pick up de car and carry we into the lantern post” the man said. Spencer said that they were all unconscious after the accident happened. “The man ketch we hard. We went at the hospital and didn’t even know what happen.”


Akeem Moffett

Eye-witnesses told Spencer that the driver of the other vehicle, a Mark II, was a male and there was a woman in the passenger seat. They told Spencer that the two persons had been drinking and the driver even had a scuffle with a policeman who arrived at the scene a few minutes later. The witnesses said that while the police officer was busy trying to take care of the three injured men, the driver was picked up by another car. Police are currently carrying out investigations.

The driver of the Carina 212, ‘Skurty’, suffered injuries to his head and arms while the other passenger ‘Quincey’ sustained injuries to his back and legs. Moffett has two children ages 1 and 9 years old. His mother, Jean, described him as a “quiet, jovial, sometimes funny person who really loved his children”.

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I would give more credence to the Stabroek News story given Moffet was returning home and was coming from Sheriff Street. So sad. Another life lost...

Three persons injured in separate accidents
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 2011

Three persons were yesterday injured in separate road accidents, all escaping with minor injuries. The first occurred some time after 12 noon at the Junction of Shivnarine Chanderpaul Drive and North Road, where Onika Morgan, 25, was struck by a motor car while riding her motor scooter. She was taken in an unconscious state to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH). Her husband later related that it was “nothing serious” and that she is doing fine.


The scooter that Onika Morgan was riding when she was struck down

The second accident took place on Camp Street, in the vicinity of Exclusive Styles, where Hazel Alves, 54, was also struck down by a motor car, while riding her motor bike. According to the woman, she was heading home to Charlestown when the vehicle appeared out of nowhere and struck her. As a result she ended up under the vehicle, after which it drove off, leaving her in an unconscious state. She was subsequently taken to the GPH, where she received treatment to her fractured right arm and abrasions about the body.

Halvard Marks, the third victim was driving motor car PGG 3327 along Mandela Avenue on his way to Sheriff Street, when he ended up in an accident. He was taken in an unconscious state to the GPH, where he subsequently regained consciousness. According to the 39-year-old he is unable to recall what transpired as he only remembers driving then waking up in the hospital. He sustained head injuries, and injuries to the right arm and chest. He had been on his way to purchase water when the accident occurred.

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More carelessness on the roadways
AUGUST 15, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

The occupants of these two vehicles were lucky to escape with minor injuries-and to escape drowning-after crashing in the vicinity of Church and Cummings Streets early yesterday morning.

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I wonder if these cars can be trained at the olympic swimming pool?

Man escaped serious injury
By STABROEK STAFF | PHOTOS | SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

A man escaped serious injury yesterday morning, after he careened into the Duncan Street canal as he was attempting to reverse. An eyewitness told Stabroek News that around 10:35 am, the man was reversing motor car PMM 2887, when he accidentally braked, resulting in the car spinning several times before ending up in a trench. After it was recovered, damage was noticeable at the front of the vehicle while the interior was filled with muddy water. In this photo, the car is being lifted out of the trench.

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Police clearance for mini-bus, hire-car drivers- Assistant Police Commissioner
Written by Denis Scott Chabrol Sunday, 14 August 2011 14:39


Attendees at the meeting at Diamond Secondary School

Public transportation drivers and conductors could soon have to get a police clearance before they could be licensed, Assistant Police Commissioner, George Vyphuis said Sunday. Addressing a meeting of hire-car and mini-bus drivers and conductors as well as other members of the public, Vyphuis also agreed that the photographs of public transportation operators should be affixed to their licenses. No time-frame was announced on how soon this new measure could take effect.

His comments came in the wake of concerns by someone from the floor that persons with criminal backgrounds were believed to be operating in the sector. The police officer also expressed concern about the mode of dress and personal hygiene of some drivers and conductors. The Assistant Police Commissioner also announced that steps would be taken to shut down tyre shops along the East bank Demerara that do not have permission to operate. They would first have to apply for permission and if, according to him, they are obstructing or congesting traffic, approval would not be granted.
He also challenged those present to advise whether members of the police were operating minibuses because that is against the policy of the Guyana Police Force.

“We do not allow police to have minibuses and hire-cars on the road. Instructions were given to persons who we knew had to get rid of it. If you know of anyone has please let us know. It would be conflicting with your work. We have a clear policy on that,” he said. The meeting was held at the Diamond Secondary School to listen to the concerns of road users and set up a steering committee for a road safety association. A similar meeting was held on the East Coast Demerara last week. Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee and Traffic Safety Engineer of the Ministry of Public Works, Nigel Erskine also addressed the meeting.

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Rohee, police officials meet with road users
AUGUST 15, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Increasing lawlessness on the roadways, resulting in road fatalities, has led the Ministry of Home Affairs to rethink its current policies and seek the creation of new ones to make the roads safer. To effect those changes, the Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee; Commander A Division, George Vyphius; Traffic and Road Safety Officer, Nigel Erskine; and members of the Guyana National Road Safety Council, yesterday interacted with road users at the Diamond Secondary School.

The interactive session is part of an ongoing divisionary meeting which seeks to monitor, evaluate and take into account road safety, to identify issues to improve safety on the roadways, and to formulate new policies and make changes where necessary. Minister Rohee emphasized that there is a need to create an East Bank Road Safety Association, comprising members of the district. At the meeting persons were asked to form a steering committee that would lead to the development of the association. The association is expected to be in constant contact with the Ministry, as the various suggestions and recommendations raised from the divisionary meetings would require further discussions.

In 2010, statistics show that there were seven vehicular accidents which ended in fatalities. Twenty-nine passengers, 22 motorcyclists, one pillion rider, 38 pedestrians, and 18 pedal cyclists who died on the roadways. He stressed that the above statistics indicate that passengers and pedestrians suffer more on the roadway. It was noted that while the law is not widely known, persons are cognizant when they are in violation. He stressed that driving requires good judgment, average, and experience and these can be compromised when persons use illicit drugs or drink and drive. Owing to this, the implementation of the breathalyzer was necessary. Minister Rohee asserted that persons are well aware that they should not speed, desist from using a hand piece whilst driving, wear seatbelts, and utilize helmets.

It was noted that there are some instances in which the road structure may cause a driver to stop a certain way on the roadway. This calls for the traffic rank to expedite good judgment, reasonableness, and flexibility. According to Vyphius, the roadway is more lethal than a gun. He explained that persons find it alarming, whenever they hear that a person was shot and killed, than if a person was struck down by a vehicle. However, statistics show that more persons die on the roadways than by a firearm.

He stressed that some persons complain about police harassment, when the person was in disobedience to the road laws, for example: overloading minibuses, overtaking on the double yellow line, overtaking on a turn, and speeding. Vyphuis stressed that persons need to start valuing their lives rather than money. If everyone practices road safety there will be less road accidents.

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Talk is good...but should we hold our breath for action?

Kaieteur News front page today:

Car ran off the road at Farm, East Bank Demerara shortly after 9 O'clock Monday night. No immediate reports of death or injury.

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Imagine if yall had snow and ice, Oh ma Lawddd!!

Minibus operators ‘exploiting’ passengers - Ministers to meet operators
AUGUST 17, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

The list of complaints by commuters against minibus operators has increased to include inflating bus fares, on the pretext of a bus shortage. However, this ploy has grown old, as it is over a year now since minibus operators are charging almost double the fare in the afternoons. Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn, on Saturday confirmed that he has received numerous complaints from members of the public about this situation. Benn noted that he and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, will be meeting minibus operators of the various routes this week. It is anticipated that the meeting will allow discussions on the exploitation of passengers, and ascertain recommendations and suggestions on the way forward.


Passengers waiting anxiously during the ‘bus shortage’ period

The ‘bus shortage’ usually occurs around 16:45 hrs, when commuters are in a haste to reach home. According to the passengers, minibus operators enter the parks demanding a certain amount of money and if an agreement is not met on the fare, passengers are left to the mercy of the road. A route 32 passenger stated that there is no alternative option, and as such, passengers are forced to pay the fare demanded by the operators. A commuter who resides at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD), emphasized that she usually takes one hour to get a bus. Every afternoon she is forced to pay $200 instead of the normal $160 fare.

The route 32 passengers are placed at a further disadvantage, when they are left with the option of either disembarking the bus at Vreed-en-Hoop, WCD, or paying the Parika fare of $500 even if they may be going to Uitvlugt. Meanwhile, the dilemma faced by passengers traversing from Georgetown to Wales (No. 31) is different and dangerous. Instead, of overcharging passengers, the West Bank Demerara minibus operators reportedly force passengers to sit ‘five in a seat’. According to some passengers, this is done openly, even as traffic ranks are on the route.

It was also revealed that some passengers wanting to go to Canal Number Two, are forced to either wait for long periods for a bus or leave town with a Wales bus and stop at the Stanleytown Junction. The passengers stressed that this is costly as they pay $100 to arrive at the Junction and then pay a further $200 to go to Belle West Housing Scheme. It was noted that the original fare from Georgetown to Belle West is $160.

Apparently, this occurrence is not common on the East Bank of Demerara. However, the situation usually exists whenever there are events at the National Stadium. Some passengers claimed that most minibuses during the evenings are now working from Georgetown to inside the Diamond Housing Scheme. This is to the disadvantage of those passengers whose destinations are Grove and Craig. It is their opinion, that minibus operators prefer working in the scheme because they charge passengers $160.

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Car
By STABROEK STAFF | PHOTOS | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011


A car was left hanging over a 10-foot drain after running off the East Bank Public Road at Eccles last evening. The vehicle, which was allegedly driven by a female, bore the licence plate number 00-46 UP. Photo shows car after it had been pulled some way back from the drain.

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Minibus owners/operators must either conform or find another way to make their living
AUGUST 19, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER LETTERS

Dear Editor,

I just read that government ministers will be meeting with minibus operators. It made me sick to the stomach. Just what will these meetings achieve? When it comes to this type of management, the PPP government is woefully impotent. Government needs to understand that the travelling public has a right to reliable and fair public transport service. This right derives from the fact that most commuters pay taxes which go toward the infrastructure which minibus operators use to make their living. Do minibus owners/operators pay taxes? If so, how much? Minibuses are duty-free. Duty-free concessions should instead be given to all public servants who have at least five years service in this country. Further, workers who drive to work should be allowed to carry paying passengers during the peak hours. This helps with the gas bill and will also contribute to easing the transportation woes. Of course, it will also send a message to the minibus folks – pull your socks up or else.

Placing public transport in the hands of unscrupulous and semi-literate minibus owners/operators requires that the system be buttressed by hard-and-fast enforcement of stringent regulations. Significant fines (minimum $50,000.00 per offence) along with suspension of road licenses should be imposed on minibus operators who discriminate against members of the travelling public or charge excessive fares. There should be designated bus stops along each route. Commuters who try to stop a bus at other points should also be charged. This will require more policemen on the road. The fines or bribes will go a far way to provide for these additional ranks.

The government should seriously consider reintroducing state-owned public transport service to deal with the current problems. These are just some of the things that can be done. Time does not permit me to go into more options or more details about what I have proposed here. Most of the senior functionaries in this government are square pegs in round holes and are unable to perform. It is no wonder that lawlessness and chaos dominate the Guyanese way of life. Those holding high office and being paid fat salaries and allowances and who go about begging for votes should do the thinking. The bottom line is that minibus owners/operators must either conform to the regulations or find another way to make their living. The travelling public does not owe them a living. The government owes it to the taxpayers to provide a reliable and fair public transport service.

P. Pritpaul.

Source

Police help to facilitate lawlessness on the roadway – Jagdeo
AUGUST 19, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Misdemeanours of some traffic ranks of the Guyana Police Force were yesterday highlighted by President Bharrat Jagdeo, who stressed that they need to improve their conduct on the roadways. He added that there are some ranks who clearly do not follow the established rules of the Force.
The Head of State emphasised that many of them are contributors to some of the problems that occur. He asserted that every time ranks give a free pass to someone who is drunk on the road, either because they know them or a bribe was received, they help to facilitate the lawlessness on the roadways.

Those remarks were made at the opening session of the Guyana National Road Safety Council’s Volunteers’ Training Workshop, held at the International Convention Centre, Pattensen. Like the behavioural change that is required by the ranks, people need to change their lifestyles and mindsets to ensure the roadways are safe, President Jagdeo stressed. This new outlook, he noted, would be necessary for the infrastructural developments that are on the horizon. He noted that in the future, Guyana will have more roads, for example, the contract for the construction of the East Bank Demerara four-lane highway from Providence all the way to the airport will be awarded within weeks.

“We are working now on a bypass from somewhere around Mocha to come into the city through Ogle. There will be another four-lane road on the West Coast, and the East Coast… going all the way to Golden Grove,” he stated. The transformation of Sheriff Street into a four-lane road is also in the making. President Jagdeo posited that as road infrastructure develops the unacceptable loss of lives would increase, if nothing is done about it now, and he added that while many non-governmental organizations are advocating awareness of road safety, it is a mindset that persons have to work on. He stated emphatically that persons need to take greater responsibility for their actions and value their lives.

Source

Over 35,000 traffic cases before the Court for 2011 - Greene
AUGUST 19, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Despite, the increasing emphasis on road safety, many drivers continue to violate the traffic laws, sometimes resulting in serious accidents which claim lives, loss of limbs, and damage to public infrastructure, such as street and traffic lights. Police Commissioner Henry Greene yesterday emphasized that there are over 35,000 traffic offence cases before the Court, thus far, for 2011.

He made this revelation at the opening session of the Guyana National Road Safety Council’s Volunteers’ Training Workshop, held at the International Convention Centre, Pattensen. The Commissioner stressed that if persons follow the rules the number of accidents which occur on the roadways would reduce. He added that more persons are killed via road accidents than being murdered in Guyana. Greene stated that most of the road accidents which end in fatalities are usually caused by speeding drivers, who are most times under the influence of alcohol. In addition, accidents also occur when drivers are inattentive.

He emphasised that it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that they do not speed and the five Cs (Care, Courtesy, Consideration, Caution and the use of Common Sense) are observed. He posited that the volunteers could be useful to the Force, and tasked them to remember their roles and to help create signs to keep the roads safe. Greene stressed that the road safety volunteers are like the Community Policing Group.

Source

Speeding car flies into upper flat living room
AUGUST 20, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

A family of three got the shock of their lives early yesterday morning when a car smashed into the upper flat of their two-storey house at Lot 35 Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara (EBD).


The view from inside the Razacks' home.

The driver of the burgundy motorcar, PJJ 6704, was heading south along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Highway when he lost control of the vehicle, which ploughed through a fence across the road, rode up a small mound and flew through the air into the upper living room of the premises. Amazingly, the accident which occurred at 04:45hrs resulted in no deaths or serious injuries. However, as a precautionary measure, the four male occupants in the car were placed in a taxi and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

At the scene, residents converged and were left speechless as to how the car could have reached into that section of the house. They recalled that the men were reeking of alcohol after they exited the vehicle. “De driver had to get help to come out… all of dem was smelling of alcohol….Dey de drunk.” Faizal Razack, who lives in the house, said that he was under his step inside his house reading his Qur’ān (Islamic Holy Book) when he heard a resounding noise. Razack explained that he received the shock of his life when he raised his head and saw the front part of a vehicle in his living room upstairs. Upon realizing what had occurred, he immediately checked on his wife and daughter who were in the bedroom on the upper flat at the time of the accident. He then determined that they were safe.


The residents of this premises got the shock of their lives.

Residents related that the car which was heading south along the East Bank Highway was being driven at a very fast rate, and after entering Bagotstown, the driver lost control and the vehicle crashed through a nearby fence, missing a utility pole, and ended up in the living room of the house. The dramatic occurrence resulted in pipelines being severed, a chain-link fence and one made of concrete damaged, and a wall of the concrete and wooden house being totally obliterated along with other items inside the home.

Source

Guyhoc man facing amputation after collision
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2011

A man is now facing the possible amputation of his left leg, after being involved in a head on collision on Thursday morning at Barrack Street, Kingston. Troy Bayley, 25, of Lot 150 Guyhoc Park, on Thursday underwent surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), following which his relatives were told by doctors that the veins at the heel of his left foot were badly damaged. As a result, the doctor told them, his foot is lifeless, and if nothing can be done to process blood to it, amputation will have to be the next move.

Reports are that the man was riding his motorcycle, with licence plate number CF 7777, following his boss, who was also travelling on a motorcycle. When Stabroek News spoke to Joseph, the man’s boss, he said that they were on the corner of ‘Jus Water’ in Kingston and were anticipating making a turn. Joseph recalled going ahead, making the turn, and assumed that Bayley may have not looked though he should have. “The other vehicle had the right [of] way… he was turning the corner and supposed to stop but he didn’t,” Joseph said. The vehicle, which bore the license plate number PMM 522, was said to be heading in an eastern direction.

Source

There should be a conductor on every minibus for safety reasons
By STABROEK STAFF | LETTERS | SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2011

Dear Editor,

For a while now commuters have been facing all sorts of inhuman acts from minibus operators without any hope of travelling without fear. Apart from being overcharged, travelling in an overloaded bus, reckless driving, loud music and constant abuse when objecting to these offences, there has been another dangerous development. All fifteen-seater minibuses (the new pitbull buses hold twenty I think), are supposed to have a conductor/conductress, and for a while now I have been seeing buses working without conductors and the driver would have to perform the duties of the conductor. Editor, I would like to believe that this is illegal and suspect that the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department is aware of the situation. If it is illegal, I am wondering why the drivers are not being hauled in front of the court.

Travelling on the West Coast of Demerara one can see countless buses operating that way. I have spoken to a few people and they all complain about this new trend and make mention of some particular drivers who regularly do this and are driving dangerously. Depending on the time, we all know that when it’s the so-called ‘happy-hour‘ there is a mad rush by the minibuses to collect as much money as they can, and whilst doing this drivers can be seen driving at reckless speed and counting money/making change at the same time. Now I know for sure at the said time all their concentration would be mostly focused on the change that they are giving out and not on their driving, and that temporary focus on the money could cause an accident.

If there can be laws against driving and operating music equipment or being on a cell phone, perhaps the law-makers could look in on this issue too – or will they wait until an accident happens and then rush to remedy this new phenomenon.

Yours faithfully,
Sahadeo Bates

Source

Linden taxi driver dies after being pinned by car
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2011

A Linden taxi driver was killed late Thursday night in an accident along the Rockstone road, which left him pinned under the vehicle. Poor visibility along the road is being blamed for the death of Denton Caesar, 36, known as ‘Zar’ of 617 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, who was transporting three passengers into the area.


Denton Caesar

According to a passenger who escaped with minor injuries, Caesar panicked when he realised that he could not avoid hitting a large tyre that was in his lane. “It was dark, and we were going into Rockstone, everybody was normal in the car when suddenly he shouted out,” the passenger recalled, while adding that in a split second, the car collided with the large tyre and toppled several times before it came to a halt.

Caesar was pinned under the car, which bore licence number HB 1713, while the others managed to free themselves. A driver, who turned up on the scene shortly after the accident, transported one of the injured passengers to the Linden Hospital. From there, help was sent for the others. “He (Denton) was done dead, he deh get really pinned down,” one of the passengers said.


Denton Caesar’s car, under which he was pinned after toppling over along the Rockstone road on Thursday night.

At the home of the dead man, his mother, Myrna Caesar, other relatives and friends were in a state of shock. They were angry over the fact that attempts were not immediately made to get him out from under the car. “You coulda never know what coulda happen, sometime he deh looking dead but was still alive,” cried his mother.

The man left home Thursday night to do his usual taxi runs, when he was hired to transport the three passengers into Rockstone. Relatives became concerned when he did not return home sometime after midnight. Caesar’s mother went to bed but was later awakened by a neighbour sometime after 3am. “I get confuse right away when I open deh door and see a set a police staring at me,” she said, while adding that she was made to answer a number of questions before being told that her son was dead. Caesar, who would only occasionally make trips to Rockstone, was a well-known Wismar taxi driver.

Source

Road safety activist calls for accurate crash database
Written by Kwesi Isles
Thursday, 18 August 2011 15:10

As the spate of deaths on Guyana's roads show no sign of easing founder of the Alicea Foundation/Mothers in Black Denise Dias is calling for the creation of an accurate crash database to help the authorities improve road safety.

She made the call on Thursday at the launch of the Road Safety Volunteer Programme at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal. “Over the years we have often heard our traffic police and the National Road Safety Council asking our road users to practice the three Cs, - care, courtesy and consideration – time and effort is now needed to apply the three Es, engineering, education and enforcement,” Dias said. She expressed the hope that the workshop would give “serious consideration” to the implementation of an accurate road crash database. An adequate analysis of comprehensive fatal and serious crash data allows the first E, road engineers to design effective counter measures that will assist in the second E, our educators in creating education projects specific to our school environment and aid our police in the third E in designing targeted enforcement efforts,” the activist said.

Speaking briefly to the hundreds of volunteers gathered at the venue Dias thanked them for pledging their time while noting that the Global Road Safety Partnership has recognised that success of road safety largely depends on the support of volunteers. The Alicea Foundation was established in 1997 in memory of Dias’ daughter Alicea Gouveia who was killed in a road accident. At least 75 persons have been killed so far this year on the roadways and hinterland trails.

The creation of the programme by the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) followed a meeting the body had with President Bharrat Jagdeo late last year. The president, who was also in attendance Friday, noted that as Guyana’s road infrastructure develops and the number of vehicles increase, so too will road fatalities unless something is done now. The government, he added, is doing its part and it is up to individuals to do theirs. “We will pass the legislation and we have passed some of the toughest pieces of legislation in the world and the police have that arsenal at their disposal to go after offenders, we will tackle infrastructure … and all of these would hopefully make it easier and safer for people to drive on the road. We will step up the awareness programmes but unless we change our mindset in this country, we’re not going to get the maximum results that we can get, and results here means the prevention of loss of lives,” Jagdeo stated.

According to him, the government is merely a facilitator and it is the people themselves who have to make the difference in the way the roads are used. Police Commissioner Henry Greene had also stated earlier that a commitment to safety started with the individual. According to the police chief, the force has a wide mandate on road safety and has charged over 35,000 persons so far this year for various traffic offences. He listed speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and inattentiveness as the leading causes of road fatalities.

Chairman of the GNRSC Surendra Khayyam said the programme is countrywide and will see the volunteers assisting with tasks such as the maintenance of pedestrian crossings, conducting lectures in schools and their communities and working with the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department. Also addressing the gathering was Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee and PPP/C presidential candidate Donald Ramotar who urged the volunteers to see the work as a “very noble duty.”

Source

Route 32 minibuses have increased fare by $40
By STABROEK STAFF | LETTERS | SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

Dear Editor,

The route 32 minibuses with the exception of a few, are now demanding that commuters pay a fare of $200 from the park to anywhere on the West Coast of Demerara before the village of Tuschen. The original fare was $160, and now we have to face an increase of $40 by these unscrupulous, greedy minibus operators. If you refuse to comply you cannot enter their buses and if you do and refuse to pay the $200 upon arrival at your destination, they abuse you verbally and perhaps want to do it physically too from the way they sound.

It is very unfair and unscrupulous on the part of the minibus operators given the fact that the gas price is stable right now and most of the other routes are accepting the original fares without a fuss. It is also very hard on the small man with the soaring prices in the market and now the $200 fare demands from the bus operators. Every bus claims to be going either to Tuschen or Parika not the West Coast any more, so if you want to go home you have to pay the Tuschen fare which is $200.

I am asking you to bring this to the attention of the relevant authorities urgently, since we have to wait on the few conscientious minibus operators who will accept the correct fare. This causes you to be in the park extremely late in the evenings after leaving work, when you should be home. The drivers justify their behaviour by claiming that persons pay the fare without fuss, but many times we have no choice if we want to get home.

I would be grateful if government could provide public transportation at the standard fare for commuters during this peak time so as to relieve the situation.

Yours faithfully,
Karen Elcock

Source

The bus in the Lamaha Street trench, having driven north along New Garden Street but not turning either left or right on Lamaha Street.

Demerara Waves on Facebook July 13 2010

SMACKING THE POST: No injuries reported. That was Camp and Regent Sts. yesterday...

Demerara Waves on Facebook June 3 2011

Recently promoted Police Cadet Officer, Jeffrey was driving this vehicle on the Soesdyke Linden highway around 3PM Sunday when it overturned in the vicinity of Yarrowkabra. The vehicle was replaced on its four wheels. No deaths or serious injuries immediately reported.

Demerara Waves on Facebook June 12 2011

By the looks of things,they have to start placing the wheels on the roof of vehicles sold in Guyana.

RE: The other pic with the bus two above this one. I seem to recall someone going over that trench on a motorcycle and was killed after hitting a tree,early seventies perhaps.

Vehicle runs off Linden Soesdyke Highway, apparently on the way to Jamzone Beach Jam. No one injured.

Demerera Waves on Facebook August 21 2011

Avenue victim faces tough times
AUGUST 22, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Widow of Homestretch Joy Ann Duncan still imagines that she hears her husband’s familiar rap at her front door and actually jumps out of bed sometimes to open for him. But in her heart, she knows that Junior Duncan is never coming home. He was one of the five killed last July 18 when a speeding minibus overturned on Homestretch Avenue. He was still clutching some money in his hands and Joy Ann says she was told that moments before the accident her husband was attempting to stop the minibus and pay the driver because he was speeding. She says that his death has left a major gap in her life and that of their four children ages, 20, 13, 10 and seven. The couple was in the middle of constructing their home when tragedy struck.


Single mother of four Joy Ann Duncan who lost her husband in the horrific Homestretch Avenue accident.

Now construction on the home has been stalled while Mrs. Duncan and her four children remain in their little shack aback of their yard. Completion of the structure now seems impossible, and Mrs. Duncan is also now struggling to find the children’s books and uniforms for the approaching school term. With tears trickling down her face, Joy Ann said her husband was the provider for the home and a very loving father to their children. She explained that life for the family was much easier as she was able to provide her children with some amount of luxury. Joy Ann said she would also bake pastries and do orders for weddings and birthday cakes which would supplement her husband’s income.

However, since his death she said she has had to go into the business full time to maintain her children and home. “The same time he died I had a wedding cake to do but I couldn’t (complete it). I was too shaken up but the couple eventually got their wedding cake while I had to deal with my husband’s funeral”. While the cake and pastry business is providing her with some necessities, Mrs. Daniels says she is gearing up for tougher times as she anticipates this when school reopens. “I will have to find transportation money every day, and other expenses that come along with school…but I’m hoping to go large scale with the pastry business but I need bigger equipment…I have to finish my house my husband wanted this house for our children.”

Meanwhile, Joy Ann said her husband’s death has taken a toll on her children which is adding to her grief. “Having to see them just lazing around the house daily and when you ask what is the matter they say we miss daddy is nothing easy.” Nightfall is the time she dreads the most. “I hate looking at the clock. I can’t stand night fall these days, my nights are longer than usual. He is not here with us. We are no longer a family because of a minibus driver,” Joy Ann lamented. The now single mother of four says she spends most of her nights drowning herself in tears and at times jumping out of bed at the sound of her husband rapping at the door. “I know I’m not losing my sanity; it just a phase. I miss him; he was really loving to our children…now I’m left alone with my children.”


Mrs. Duncan’s incomplete house which she and her husband were in the process of building.

Nevertheless, Joy Ann acknowledges the fact that life must go on and she will eventually pick up the pieces for the sake of her children. She says she has found that being in contact with the relatives of those who lost relatives in the accident has helped her somewhat. In addition, she said she was grateful for a visit by the owner of the minibus her husband was in when he was killed. “The owner is in no way responsible…and she was kind enough to pay us a visit but as it relates to the driver, I have never heard from him.” Joy Ann says she plans to go to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on the next sitting of the court case to see the man accused of causing her husband’s death. “I just want to look into his eyes …that would give me some satisfaction and God will do the rest.”

On July 18 last, Junior Duncan, Coretta Benjamin, of Lot 704 B Field Sophia; her eight-year-old daughter, Crazel Paul, Peter Mc Lennon 29, of Sophia and Erica La Cruiz, 18, of Sophia, died after a minibus crashed. According to reports, the minibus suffered a blow out while speeding along Homestretch Avenue. Several other persons were injured in the accident. The driver of the minibus which operated Stabroek/Sophia, Jermaine Jackson has since been remanded to prison after being charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Source

Moruca accident leaves miner dead
AUGUST 21, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Twenty-eight year-old Gregory James lost his life on Friday last, after being involved in an accident at Moruca in the North West District. Reports are that James, formerly of Queenstown Village, on the Essequibo Coast, was traveling in a “mining truck” when the vehicle toppled over a hill at Moruca. His mother, Reena James, told this newspaper that her son was a former policeman who later worked with the Guyana Prison Service before joining the mining sector.


Gregory James

She explained that the young man was diagnosed with malaria after spending a short while in the interior and returned to their residence at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (EBD) for a recovery which lasted three months. On August 6, he returned to work in the North West area, and was residing with some of his relatives there. On the day of the accident, his relatives were not aware that James had left to “go on the truck”. Late that afternoon they received word that he was involved in the accident which claimed his life. “He wasn’t supposed to be on that truck. It toppled somewhere and this happened. We are not sure what the details are. The body is now in Georgetown. He was very jovial, and loving towards the family. Everyone knew him,” said his mother.

Another family member said the family received the sad news on Friday, at around 17:00 hours. The woman said that the information received suggested that James was sitting in the cabin when the truck toppled, pinning him beneath. The family was told that the other persons on the truck managed to jump out of the vehicle but James was not that lucky. His body was later taken to the Oscar Joseph Hospital in Charity, before being lodged at the Sandy’s funeral home in Georgetown, on Saturday morning.

When his father Baldeo James was contacted, he told this newspaper that he heard of his son’s death at Moruca and declined to share any other information. “All I heard was my son dead at Moruca and presently I am at Sandy’s funeral home in Georgetown.” James leaves to mourn his wife, six-year-old daughter and other relatives.

Over a week ago, two persons lost their lives after a truck toppled over also in the North West District.

Source

Pensioner killed while sitting on donkey cart
AUGUST 23, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

A 65-year-old man became the country’s latest road fatality when he was struck by an out-of-control sports utility vehicle. Steven Coppin of Bengal Farm, Corentyne, Berbice, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Skeldon Hospital minutes after he was picked up from the Number 45 Village Public Road.


The sports utility vehicle which struck and killed pensioner Steven Coppin.

Police said that around 19:45 hours, Coppin was sitting on a stationary donkey cart at the side of the roadway when the driver of motor vehicle GJJ 6852 lost control and slammed into it. Coppin was hurled several feet from the cart and sustained massive injuries which resulted in his death. The body is presently at the Skeldon Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination.

The driver has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigations.

Kaieteur News

Stabroek News

Senseless Deaths