Gaps in accountability have real consequences – Traffic Chief

– bemoans shortcomings in justice system for accident victims, families

Speaking at the Road Safety Awareness Walk 2025, held Sunday morning at the Seawall Bandstand under the theme “Careful Driving Saves Lives,” Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh delivered a frank and emotional critique of shortcomings within Guyana’s justice system as it relates to road fatalities and serious accidents, saying “gaps in accountability have real consequences”.
In what many attendees described as one of the most striking parts of the programme, Singh openly acknowledged that the system often falls short in delivering justice for victims of road crashes. “Sometimes the system doesn’t work,” he told the gathering, explaining that as a senior officer, he has experienced the consequences firsthand. Recounting a major accident he was involved in while serving as Regional Commander of the East Bank Division, Singh said the matter was dismissed in court because both he and the driver of the other vehicle were unconscious after the collision. “The matter was dismissed in a court of law because myself and the driver, both were unconscious at the time and they could not find out who was driving the motor vehicle that crashed into a police-designated vehicle I was utilising,” he said.
He also alluded to public frustration with lenient sentencing and unresolved fatality cases, noting that although charges are sometimes laid, the outcome does not always satisfy victims’ families. “Though the system worked that charges were laid and convictions were had, maybe the extent of consolidated sentences… did not draw the amount of satisfaction we look for.” The Traffic Chief said these gaps in accountability have real consequences, reinforcing the painful testimonies heard earlier in the programme from grieving family members. He stressed that the police continue to “do the needful,” but acknowledged that systemic constraints sometimes stand in the way of justice. Despite these challenges, Singh promised that the Police Force is advancing, pointing to improvements in investigative capacity. “Capacity development is taking place, we have more trained investigators and we are supported by technology which we have adopted.” He urged the public to continue partnering with law enforcement, saying true change must come from shared responsibility. “Work with me. It’s “us”, and not me against you. We are in this equation.”