Concerns over animals on Corentyne Highway renewed

…as recent student, teacher fatalities a result of animals on road

Residents and frequent commuters along the Corentyne Highway are again raising concerns about the growing number of animals roaming freely on the roadway, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to motorists, especially at night. From grazing cattle to horses and donkeys, the presence of these animals has become a daily hazard and has contributed to several fatal crashes within the past year.

In early 2024, a motorcyclist from Whim died after slamming into a cow that wandered onto the highway just outside Adventure. A few months later, another fatality occurred at No. 62 Village, when a hire car crashed into a loose horse, leaving the driver dead at the scene. And most recently, in mid-2025, a father of two from Bloomfield lost his life after colliding with a donkey while heading home late at night.
Drivers say the problem is particularly severe in areas between Fyrish and Lancaster, where large herds are often seen crossing or resting on the road. With holiday traffic expected to increase, residents are urging authorities to enforce existing laws requiring livestock owners to secure their animals.
They warn that without stronger enforcement and cooperation from owners, the Corentyne Highway will remain a deadly stretch for unsuspecting road users.

Most recent fatalities
The most recent was a crash last Friday, which claimed the lives of a young secondary school student and a teacher who was driving the minibus at the time of the crash.
The bus, carrying 18 people, toppled several times after the driver tried to avoid three horses.
Among those calling for intervention is Brenda Lewis, aunt of 31-year-old Jerome Bernard, the driver of the Route 63 minibus who lost his life in last Friday’s crash at Number 63 Village. She said the family has a long history in cattle rearing but stressed that responsible owners do not allow their animals to roam freely.
“We are a cattle-rearing family… Our cattle don’t roam on the road,” she said. “But you get other cattle… I think the Government, the Minister, whoever is responsible should get them off the road. Because if a cattle run across from the other vehicle, it may happen like that.”
Lewis said Bernard, who was unmarried and had no children, was deeply committed to building a stable life and had always planned to start his family “the right way”.
Meanwhile, one of the survivors of last week’s crash, 20-year-old Jaden Harte, was discharged from the hospital just three days ago. She is still nursing her injuries and said the experience has left her shaken, especially when she sees animals near the roadway.
“Animals being allowed to roam… especially on the Corentyne Highway… I really feel like we need to put precautions in place to keep them off the roadway. With what transpires, a lot more could have passed because of said animals,” she said.
Harte described experiencing panic on the day she was discharged.
“I remember… A set of cows out of nowhere just came out, and I began to tremble in the car. My aunt had to hold me, flashbacks and paranoia by just even seeing the animals on the road,” she recalled.
She believes stricter enforcement and better management could save lives.
“Maybe keep them in the backdam areas… Or if they are on the road, owners make sure they are in the corner or take them home safely. Just off the roadway and out of danger,” she said.
Harte also supports penalties. “If that’s in place, it will definitely keep them off the roadway because there’s a consequence to face.”
She added that reintroducing the old “pound” system could help reduce the number of animals wandering freely.
Another survivor of the crash was 13-year-old Sodia George. Her mother, Abolia George, said she was told three horses ran across the road just before the bus toppled.
“She told me when she went to the hospital, they said three horses… but the bus wasn’t going speed,” the mother explained. “If the animals weren’t there, nothing like that would have happened.”
George believes owners must take responsibility by properly securing their animals.
“People who get the animals [must] take good care of them. Put them up and don’t – don’t leave them on the roadside. Take care of them at the savannah,” she urged.
She also supports stiff fines.
“Give them a higher penalty… because if they have to pay a lot of money, they’re going to keep good care of them,” she said.
George also said reviving the pound system is necessary: “Only that way they keep them off, because they don’t want to pound.”
The issue has also caught the attention of the Government.
During a press conference on Friday, President Dr Irfaan Ali said measures are being strengthened to better manage stray animals, which continue to pose a danger on major roadways.
He said facilities are being developed to safeguard animals and reduce collisions, particularly in high-risk areas like the Corentyne.
A few months ago, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo also urged Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to enforce existing laws that require owners to secure their livestock, noting that the lack of enforcement is contributing to fatal crashes – especially along major highways.
Until those systems improve, residents fear that the Corentyne Highway will remain one of the most dangerous stretches in the country.