Head of Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Dr Fernando Ponz Cantó along with Deputy Head of Delegation, Evelina Melbarzde yesterday took a message of road safety to Region Two with the distribution of 1,000 reflective bands.
The handing over ceremony took place in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) at Anna Regina in the presence of Regional Chairperson, Vilma Da Silva; Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit; and acting Regional Executive Officer, Yvette Hastings.
During the handing-over ceremony, Ambassador Canto stated that the European Union mission to Guyana is currently distributing reflective bands to school children and adults countrywide. He added that the bands are intended to help protect road users. This has already occurred in Georgetown.
The Ambassador disclosed that the mission has 17,000 of the bands and has disbursed them in several regions. On June 20, a road safety campaign was launched by the mission in the presence of Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn and Minister of Education Priya Manickchand which saw the commencement of the distribution of the bands.
Ponz Cantó noted that the tiny but significant contribution will reflect light in the dark and can aid in reducing road fatalities in Guyana. He also informed that the donation coincides with the European Union’s 50th anniversary in Guyana.
Meanwhile, Melbarzde spoke of observing persons riding in the dark at night and thought that the donation would be a useful gift for the residents. She also used the opportunity to explain how it is used.
During the diplomats’ visit to the region, they interacted with regional officials and were provided with a summary of the development and the transformation currently taking place there.
Region Two Chairperson Vilma Da Silva thanked the ambassador for the donation and assured that it will be distributed to schoolchildren and adults in the region.
Left to right are Acting Regional Executive Officer, Yvette Hastings; Regional Chairperson, Vilma Da Silva; Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit; Head of Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Dr Fernando Ponz Cantó; and Deputy Head of, Evelina Melbarzde, posing with the safety bands.
