We must all be involved in campaigning for safety on the roads
Stabroek News
October 10, 2001

Dear Editor,

It is rather unfortunate that we keep reading of our traffic police going on special campaigns and/or targeting specific aspects of traffic offences after a tragic accident or two. This suggests a lack of understanding of their true function.

As far as I am aware, the traffic and other police ranks are constrained by law to intervene whenever any law is being or has been violated. Somehow, our traffic and other cops seem to think that campaigns solve problems. That is just wishful thinking.

The cops must on all occasions take appropriate action whenever the laws are contravened.

In this case, the police should take full responsibility for their contribution to the deaths of the four persons (one of whom was a cop also). It is their inconsistency in dealing with breaches of the law that is resulting in continued and increasing lawlessness on our roads and the society as a whole.

Irrespective of who the offenders are, the police must take stern action. Excuses about persons in higher authority instructing them to let guilty persons free is no longer acceptable.

Perhaps the Stabroek News can play a more meaningful role in reducing accidents by encouraging more persons to join the campaign against lawlessness on our roads.

Whatever happened to the President's promise to the "Mothers-in-Black"? When will we see some action? Is it necessary for every law abiding citizen to force the hands of the authorities before something is done? Mr President, please insist that the new Commissioner of Police act now before more innocent lives are lost.

Yours faithfully,

Winston Williamson