By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News|
Just one week after the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge was commissioned, a minibus collided with the median on the bridge’s eastern approach, damaging the structure and knocking down a light pole. The driver was hospitalized following the accident.
Speaking on his weekly programme, Issues in the News, on Tuesday, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall stated that the government will act in an even-handed and consistent manner in addressing incidents involving damage to public property.
“If we are committed to a course of conduct, then we are committed to it. And once we are committed to that course of conduct, whoever it is — the treatment will not be different. Equal treatment is part of the constitutional protection accorded to every Guyanese citizen,”
— Hon. Anil Nandlall, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs
Nandlall explained that the Guyana Police Force is currently investigating the incident and compiling a report to determine the extent of damage and cost of repairs. Once completed, the report will be sent to the Attorney General’s Chambers, where a letter requesting compensation will be issued to the person found responsible.
“If that letter is not satisfactorily responded to, then other legal proceedings will follow. That is the approach which was adopted on previous occasions, and it yielded the compensation requested, ensuring the public property was restored,”
— Attorney General Anil Nandlall
The Attorney General stressed that no exceptions will be made, reaffirming the government’s commitment to hold accountable anyone who wantonly, negligently, or recklessly destroys public property.
