In addition to extending condolences to the family of Constable Annette Abel, who died while performing roadblock duties at BV Police Station, Minister of Home Affairs Robenson Benn announced that a comprehensive incident review will be conducted to identify the best ways to promote safety in the aftermath of that event with an aim to mitigate any potential risks.
Benn made this announcement in a press release while extending his condolences to family and friends of Abel who lost her life last Thursday night after a driver lost control of a speeding car and struck her down while she was manning a roadblock outside the BV Police Station.
The minister said the tragic event was disheartening and expressed his sincere condolences to all affected by this devastating incident, including the Guyana Police Force, the release said..
It noted that this incident underscores the dangers associated with the reckless use of roads and a lack of respect for authorities, especially those who dedicate themselves to serving and protecting the public selflessly. It also highlights the significant risks posed to all members of society, it added. Benn emphasized the need for increased awareness and responsibility on the roads to prevent such incidents.
Benn said he was committed to ensuring that lessons learned from this incident contribute to improving overall safety and preventing similar occurrences, the release said.
In the wake of this tragedy, it said, Benn acknowledged the importance of providing care and support to those injured and traumatized. Efforts will be made to facilitate their recovery and well-being, recognizing the emotional and physical toll such incidents can have on individuals.
Benn expressed his gratitude and recognition for the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel while on duty, highlighting the need of group efforts to stop similar tragedies from happening to our communities in the future, the release said.
According to the police, Woman Constable 25953 Annette Abel, a 53-year-old mother of three and of Lot 64 Perth Village, Mahaicony, was attached to the station’s Traffic Department.
The incident outside the Beterverwagting Police Station involved motor jeep PVV 8278 driven by a 44-year-old man from Front Road, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Its occupants included a 46-year-old woman of ‘A’ Field South Sophia and a 75-year-old man from East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
According to the police, around 22:00 hrs on Thursday, a roadblock was being commanded by Woman Inspector Shenay Castello, who is also Inspector in Charge of the Beterverwagting Police Station. She was assisted by Corporal 21289 Keshan Collins, Lance Corporal 21463 Jenella Jonas, Constable 25925 Abel, Constable 25124 Brian Tappin and Constable 24718 Wayne Daniels.
The police said Constable Abel stopped motor cars, PAB 9932 (driven by a 30-year-old of Buxton, East Coast Demerara) and PNN 8124 (driven by a 24-year-old of North Better Hope, East Coast Demerara), which were proceeding west on the southern driving lane of the southern carriageway. Both vehicles pulled left and were stationary when the Jeep, PVV 8278, was observed proceeding in the same direction at a fast rate. The traffic light at the junction of Republic Drive, Beterverwagting and the East Coast High-way was red and PVV 8278 should have stopped, but the driver drove through, colliding with the traffic cones which were at the centre of the road as part of the roadblock operation.
The police said that PVV 8278 rammed Constable Abel into motor car PAB 9932 which then collided with motor car PNN 8124. Vehicle PNN 8124 then spun hitting Inspector Castello and a driver, Chris Allen. They were all flung into the air. Abel landed about 20 feet away on the road surface with her left leg severed from below the knee. Castello and Allen landed on the southern grass parapet, sustaining injuries about their bodies. Mean-while, PVV 8278 turned over on the southern parapet. Emergency Medical Technicians pronounced Abel dead at the scene. The occupants of PVV 8278 also sustained injuries, and along with Inspector Castello, were escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Accident and Emergency Unit.
The driver of PPV 8278 was taken into custody.
