Greater focus on suspending drivers’ licenses as gov’t eyes tougher road laws 

The Government of Guyana is eyeing tougher penalties to curb reckless driving on the roadways, according to Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond. 

Walrond, while speaking at a Road Safety Awareness Walk on Sunday, said her ministry has been engaging the Guyana Police Force on the need to amend traffic regulations and road laws. New draft amendments, she highlighted, have already been crafted. 

However, Walrond said she is eyeing both penalties for new offences and “stiffer penalties to make it easier to put suspension on licenses.” 

“Right now it’s an arduous process doing that [suspending licenses],” the Home Affairs Minister lamented. 

As of last week, 110 persons died on the country’s roadways due to accidents. The deaths were recorded from a total of 99 fatal accidents so far this year. The figure represents a slight increase compared to 107 deaths from 95 fatal accidents during the same period in 2024.

November has been designated as Road Safety Awareness Month under the theme “Careful Driving Saves Lives.” Local authorities are intensifying efforts to educate the public, improve enforcement, and integrate more technology to monitor and manage road safety.