Dear Editor,
I refer to the editorial of the Stabroek News dated February 13, 2014. The editorial queried how the Ministry of Home Affairs was not aware at the time of issuing its 2nd January, 2014 release on the road safety meeting that the Guyana Police Force only had three functioning breathalyzers.
The Minister was not aware of this situation simply because the Guyana Police Force, which is the implementing agency for traffic management programmes and initiatives, never officially brought this deficiency to the attention of the ministry. Once a matter of concern to the Guyana Police Force comes to the attention of the ministry, there is usually an immediate response.
The Traffic Chief has only recently advised that the breathalyzers have malfunctioned and that the parts cannot be replaced.
Recently, the ministry procured six handheld breathalyzers from Mavelfairs Limited. These devices are now in the country and are currently being cleared to be released by Customs.
The Guyana Police Force Capital Budget 2014 has an allocation for forty breathalyzers.
Yours faithfully,
Clement J Rohee
Minister
