Dear Editor,
I was recently stopped by the traffic police in Lethem who have been undertaking an extended traffic campaign in the area; definitely more extensive than at any time in recent memory. This may be because Lethem is rapidly developing and our community needs to adhere to the traffic laws as elsewhere in Guyana. Such an undertaking is definitely welcome as it would aid our development. Indeed the officers undertaking this campaign are courteous and efficient in their work.
However, while I was waiting on the traffic officer to peruse my vehicle documents I observed something that raised my ire. A police vehicle with two officers, one seemingly of a high rank because of his uniform, stopped to talk to the traffic officer. Neither of these officers was wearing a seatbelt and both seemed oblivious to the law that mandated such. As the vehicle pulled off it was observed that the tail-lights were defective. I wondered if a civilian had been stopped and found not wearing a seatbelt or had defective lights, whether the traffic rank would have allowed him to leave. Definitely not! I then decided to observe the police vehicle over the next few days to see whether this was just an aberration by the two officers. As I expected, non-use of seatbelts was the norm among the officers rather than the exception.
How can our law officers expect the public to be more responsible towards the laws when they themselves openly flout them?
And our police are not the only ones showing scant regard for the laws. There is the Customs and Excise officers who drive round Lethem in a double cab pick-up that has no number plate and is so heavily tinted that one cannot see inside the vehicle. This vehicle is also missing its lights. Again, aren’t all of these things traffic offences? Yet it is allowed to drive around Lethem, often at very high speeds, as though it is above the law. There was also a time when an enclosed ‘Surf’ pick-up was being used by these same officers and it was always seen speeding along the roads of Lethem showing scant regard for other users.
If indeed Lethem is being prepared for its inevitable status as a town, then our government agencies and especially our law officers need to set the example. If the relevant authorities were not aware before this letter, then it is hoped that they are now aware and take the necessary steps to ensure that there is compliance by their officers.
It would be much easier to enforce compliance with the laws if the officers undertake to set the example by doing the right thing.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
