The Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), yesterday presented over $50 million worth of road safety and traffic equipment, a GPF release stated.
The donation included speed guns with cameras, body cameras, wheel clamps, 20 electronic tablets for accurate data recording, single-zone sensing signs, and dual-zone sensing readers.
The official handing-over ceremony took place on the Tactical Services Unit tarmac at the Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, and attendees included Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken; Deputy Commissioner (Administration) Ravindradat Budhram; Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; and IDB Country Representative to Guyana, Lorena Solórzano Salazar.
Minister Juan Edghill highlighted the significance of the donation. “Today, we are handing over essential road safety equipment, including speed guns, cameras, and clamps, to improve traffic safety. Speeding and reckless driving are real dangers to our community, causing tragic losses. We must foster a cultural shift in how we use our roads, focusing on peer pressure and personal responsibility.”
He added, “Today’s exercise can be seen as a simple handing over ceremony, and others might be able to say ‘another handing over ceremony’ and we can be dismissive and treat things like this lightly, but there’s a very important element to what is being done here… as one life lost on our roadway is one life too much.”
He also acknowledged that there is a national traffic problem that is not imported or foreign, but a problem that speaks to culture, thinking and behaviour. As such, he warned that the items handed over are designed to deal with those who seem unable to control themselves on the roadways.
Edghill took the opportunity to outline current government initiatives to improve road infrastructure, which include pedestrian sidewalks, cycling lanes, and better road signage to protect vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and cyclists. Additionally, new traffic management systems, including speed sensors, portable speed bumps, and radar systems, are being introduced to aid police enforcement efforts.
The issue of truck parking and nighttime truck hazards was also addressed and the Minister announced plans to develop a new truck park system. He also spoke of government’s commitment to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in a comprehensive traffic light system and the continued prioritisation of road safety education.
Meanwhile, Hicken expressed appreciation for the timely gesture and emphasised the importance of the government’s support and partnerships with the Force’s operations. He stressed that the focus should not be limited to Georgetown but should extend to all 10 administrative regions. He also assured that the GPF is committed to utilising the $50 million donation to enhance road safety and reduce traffic accidents across the regions.
Also highlighted was the importance of body cameras for patrols and traffic officers to ensure transparency and accountability, while new police stations and outposts are being established in expanding communities to prevent crime and regularise police presence. The introduction of 12-hour shifts for traffic officers and the need for improved road signage and traffic lights were also mentioned.
The Top Cop also reported significant reductions in traffic deaths and incidents, expressing optimism about continued progress in traffic management and crime reduction. He reaffirmed the Guyana Police Force’s commitment to using the donated equipment effectively and working closely with the Ministry to ensure a safer Guyana for all.
