The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has voiced its concern about the recent suggestion by former Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan that the 02:00 hours curfew be reinstituted as a solution to the rise in road fatalities.
In a release yesterday, the Chamber stated its “firm opposition” to this recommendation and urged that a more effective and evidence-based approach be made to addressing road safety, citing a lack of empirical evidence. “There is no evidence to support its efficacy in reducing road fatalities. Re-imposing such a curfew would not only be misguided but would also have detrimental effects by hindering economic recovery and growth.”
The GCCI expressed the belief that the real solution lies in significantly strengthening the enforcement of existing traffic laws by the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department. It stressed that the focus should be on “rigorous” action against reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol, in conjunction with a comprehensive public education and awareness campaigns to foster responsible road behaviour.
According to the release, Ramjattan’s suggestion to restrict the free movement of the public is a “simplistic and ineffective”approach. It suggested that a more “nuanced and robust strategy” that emphasises public education and accountability is more suitable. “The safety of our roads can only be achieved through concerted efforts to enforce the law and educate the public, not through curfews that impede personal freedom and economic activity.”
