Minister Benn, GPF on a Mission to make our Roadways Safer

— as Road Safety Council in Region 10 resuscitated

Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn, Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag), Mr Ravindradat Budhram and Traffic Officer, Superintendent Dennis Stephen, along with members of the Guyana National Road Safety Council on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 in a coordinated effort with Commander of Regional Police Division #10, Senior Superintendent Hugh Winter and his team, resuscitated the Road Safety Council in the mining town of Linden.

The newly elected body, which was elected in a democratic process at the Praise Tabernacle, A.O.G Church in Watooka, Mackenzie, Linden, consists of young and vibrant individuals inclusive of teachers, nurses, doctors, engineers and key communities members that are familiar with the issues and can create better solutions that are required to make the Mining Town roadways safer for all.

Those elected to serve on the Road Safety Council are: Chairman – Isreal LaRose,Vice-Chairman – Rawle Sealey, Secretary – Allayan Munroe, Treasurer – Onita Harry, Assistant Treasurer – Tonya McBeth, Assistant Secretary – Celina London, Roadworks Coordinator – Jalani Chapman, Advisors – Vernon Todd, Michael Marks and Public Relations Officer – Coretta Walton along with Community members – Troy Brummell, Safrea Grenvielle, Ronetta Fraser, Desmond Peters, Siani Paul, Makeza Sampson, Norvell Fredericks, and Samatha Brown.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Robeson Benn encouraged the members of the newly appointed council to work closely with the Police Force to bring about a dramatic improvement in road/traffic management in order to reduce accidents and deaths. He also encouraged the council to proactively sensitise the public about road safety in the Region.

Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ Mr Ravindradat Budhram, who also delivered brief remarks, encouraged the council to submit their plans and request for road safety equipment so that it can be facilitated. Mr Budhram also encouraged the council to collaborate with the Police and to visit schools in Region 10 to sensitise students about road safety.

Deputy Commissioner Budhram also highlighted that to further assist the council and Police in the Region, more vehicles and cycles will be provided to aid in traffic control.

Also giving brief remarks was the GPF’s Traffic Officer, Superintendent Dennis Stephen, who alluded to the fact that the Traffic Department is challenged to manage traffic and to make roadways safer from accidents and loss of life.

Mr Stephen pointed out that this is why the partnership between the Police and the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) is of paramount importance.

Coordinator of the GNRSC, Ramona Doorgen, noted that the collaboration between the two organisations would see more regions actively involved in road safety measures and encouraged the council to submit their plans so that the Government and other Stakeholders can support them.

Regional Chairman of Linden, Deron Adams, commended Minister Benn and the GPF along with GNRSC for resuscitating the Council since road safety is very important and is of concern to everyone. Adams assured the gathering of his unwavering support to the Council and Guyana Police Force regarding maintaining safer roadways in Linden.

(Report and photo by CCU’s Corporal Troy Vanrossum)