‘Do the right thing’ – National forum held to confront rising road deaths

The Guyana National Road Safety Stakeholder Forum, held under the theme ‘Do the right thing,’ brought together national and international partners to tackle the escalating crisis of road fatalities and promote a culture of responsible road use.

This theme was touted as more than a slogan but a rallying cry for action and behavioural change on the roadways. The forum called for a cultural shift, one in which every citizen takes personal responsibility. The audience heard that actions like wearing seatbelts, reducing speed, staying alert, and respecting life must become second nature.

As of July 26, 2025, 70 road deaths have already been recorded, a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, half of those who died were motorcyclists and pillion riders, and over 80% were not wearing helmets.

Other road safety statistics shared include: 166 serious accidents – a 7% decrease; 235 minor accidents – a 4% decrease; 66 fatal accidents – a 20% increase; and 428 damage accidents – a 3% decrease and only two child deaths were reported, representing a 50% decrease.

With support from international organisations such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the forum focused on building a safer and smarter transportation environment in Guyana. These partners are helping Guyana strengthen its road safety systems through funding, research, and strategic guidance.

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, speaking at the event, acknowledged the challenges posed by an increase in vehicles and a growing cohort of young drivers.

“We have to get active, much more active on the question of road safety, road deaths and injuries due to road accidents, it is not only the loss of life, it is the opportunity cost of the loss of life,” Minister Benn stated.

Benn explained that when he took office five years ago, his goal was to reduce annual road deaths to under 100. By 2030, the goal is to bring that figure down further.

“If we don’t recognise where we have failings, what are our challenges and what should be our responses, the biggest challenge is of course human, drunk driving, speeding, impaired driving perhaps by drugs, texting or worse while driving, all of those things, tinting up the vehicle to the point where you cannot make eye contact with the other person on the road,” Benn explained.

Meanwhile, Former British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, who is now co-chair of a new traffic management project of the Road Safety Implementation Board (RSIB), also spoke at the event.

“To be perfectly frank, the high levels of death and disorder on Guyana’s roads cannot continue,” Quinn stated.

The board is responsible for designing and executing communication campaigns and strategic interventions aimed at reducing road deaths and injuries. The RSIB is currently delivering seven focused projects; Deter and Detect, Data-Driven Road Safety, The National Conversation, Road Infrastructure Enhancements, Clinical Response & Road Trauma Support, Road Safety & Education Campaigns and Pave the Way – Youth & Community Involvement.