New Strategies to be Implemented to Ensure Road Safety
– Commssioner Hicken at the Road Safety Stakeholders’ Forum and Campaign
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, Guyana National Road Safety Council, ANSA McAl Distribution, and Unicomer Guyana, officially launched the 2024 Road Safety Stakeholders’ Forum and Campaign yesterday at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe.
The event united key stakeholders to discuss strategies and commitments to reduce road traffic fatalities, injuries, and accidents, emphasizing a collective effort to improve road safety nationwide.
In his address, Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken emphasized the critical importance of road safety in Guyana, stating that it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure safe road usage.
He highlighted the police force’s commitment, with officers working overtime and visibility patrols actively in place to decrease road incidents.
He mentioned that senior force members would soon discuss a new certification process focusing on both driver competence and vehicle adequacy.
Commissioner Hicken also underscored the significance of proper road signage and the collaborative efforts with the Ministry and road safety councils to address these issues.
He noted that the Attorney General is being consulted on potential reforms to road safety laws.
A strategy is being developed to implement a traffic management plan, and the Commissioner urged the Traffic Chief to take a more active role in public education and awareness campaigns.
He stressed the importance of translating words into action to make Guyana’s roadways safer.
Ms. Lorena Solorzano Salazar, the International Development Bank (IDB) country representative in Guyana, highlighted the economic benefits of investing in road safety. She encouraged citizens to obey road safety laws, noting that such adherence would enhance overall productivity and reduce costs.
Corporate entities like ANSA McAl and UNICOMER have demonstrated their commitment to promoting safe practices. ANSA McAl has pledged to offer non-alcoholic beverages at their events for designated drivers, reinforcing responsible behavior.
While UNICOMER, through Courts Guyana, has a longstanding tradition of donating motorcycles to the Force’s Traffic Department, thereby enhancing the officers’ patrolling capabilities.
