By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
A new national push to improve road safety is underway, as key stakeholders convened this week to examine inclusive, practical strategies aimed at reducing traffic accidents and saving lives across Guyana.
The initiative was formally launched during a Stakeholder Review Workshop Series focused on developing a socially inclusive and gender-responsive road safety awareness and communication strategy.
Speaking at the launch, Traffic Chief and Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh underscored that road safety is not only a public safety issue but a critical development concern with far-reaching implications for national progress.
According to Singh, statistical analyses show that road accidents over the past three years have resulted in more than 100 fatalities, though fewer than 150, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated intervention. He warned that major infrastructure projects, particularly the Linden to Mabura Hill Road upgrade, could introduce heightened safety risks if not properly managed.
With increased traffic volumes and the movement of goods along longer interior routes, Singh stressed that inadequate monitoring and enforcement could lead to dangerous driving behaviours, including excessive speeding.
He assured that the Guyana Police Force, through its Traffic Department, will play an integral role in supporting the initiative and ensuring effective implementation.
Meanwhile, Coordinator of the Guyana National Road Safety Council, Ramona Doorgen, emphasised that road safety is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration across sectors.
She noted that pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, and motorists all have a role to play in strengthening the road safety chain, warning that overall safety is only as strong as its weakest link.
Also addressing the forum was Jevon King, Chief Executive Officer of Fast Learning Driving School, who announced plans to head a new steering committee bringing together registered driving schools nationwide. The initiative aims to improve driver education standards and cultivate more responsible and knowledgeable road users.
Additionally, Kester Hines, Head of Traffic Safety and Maintenance at the Ministry of Public Works, reaffirmed that road safety remains a major national challenge requiring sustained attention, policy coordination, and public engagement.
Stakeholders agreed that the success of the strategy will depend on long-term collaboration, effective enforcement, education, and community participation to reverse the troubling trend of road fatalities.
