Dear Editor,

The Guyana Police Force is responding to an article published in the Kaieteur News (June 9) under the caption ‘Commuters face chaotic traffic situation… no proper police supervision.’

The caption for the article gives the reading public the impression that the build-up of traffic which occurs during peak hours along the East Bank of Demerara, particularly on June 8, owing to the rehabilitation of a bridge at Prospect, East Bank Demerara, is primarily due to a lack of police presence and ineffective traffic policing of the situation, when this is far from the truth.

The Force wishes to state that on a daily basis traffic ranks are on duty on both sides at the bridge diversion area, assisting with the regulation and flow of traffic during the peak hours in the mornings and afternoons. In addition to the static traffic ranks there are ranks on motor cycles assisting to keep the traffic flowing.

The diversion road at the bridge rehabilitation area usually facilitates two-way traffic at a slow pace, but owing to the volume of traffic travelling to the city at peak hours, which includes trucks and other heavy duty vehicles, there is a build-up of traffic. However, there was a problem with the diversion road on June 8.

Commander ‘A’ Division Assistant Commissioner George Vyphuis, Traffic Officer Senior Superintendent Neil Semple and the Officer in charge of Traffic in ‘A’ Division Superintendent John Daniels visited the area on June 9 where they were informed that rainfall had caused erosion of the diversion road resulting in traffic being reduced to a one-way flow.

This caused a lengthier build-up of traffic travelling to Georgetown and police ranks diverted traffic through an access road in Prospect to assist the situation.

In addition to controlling the traffic at the Prospect bridge area, police traffic ranks control traffic at the traffic lights at the junction with the entrance to the Diamond New Scheme during peak hours on a daily basis in order to facilitate a faster flow of traffic along the East Bank of Demerara.

The Police Force wishes to reiterate that the build-up of traffic during peak hours along the East Bank of Demerara is in no way due to any lack of effort by the police who have been consistently doing their utmost to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

Meanwhile, the eroded part of the diversion road at the Prospect bridge has since been repaired and is presently accommodating two-way traffic.

The police wish to advise that commuters take cognizance of the road construction underway along the East Bank of Demerara and urge that they exercise patience and caution during this period.

Yours faithfully,
Ivelaw Whittaker
Public Relations and Press Officer
Guyana Police Force