GCCI president urges shift in road culture to safeguard tourism

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kester Huston, has emphasized the critical link between road culture and tourism in Guyana. Citing concerns over speeding and other road-related issues, Huston underscored how these factors could significantly deter tourists from coming here.
As the voice of the business community in Georgetown, Hutson has shed light on this pressing issue, which extends beyond mere transportation logistics. Speaking on the “Traffic and You” programme, he pointed out that the experience of travelling on Guyana’s roadways can form a crucial part of tourists’ overall impression of the country.

He said that the prevalent culture of speeding and other reckless driving on the roads significantly deters potential visitors. “You have errant road users at this point, which is a culture that I really detest, and it has really affected every other industry, particularly the tourism industry. You have a heavy influx of visitors coming into the country and this is what they are exposed to. They are scared, they are terrified to use the roadways. We cannot talk about development if this aspect is not taken care of,” he has asserted.
Huston highlighted the need for a collaborative effort between Government, law enforcement agencies and the private sector to address these challenges effectively.
He suggested initiatives such as enhanced road safety awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to create a safer and more inviting environment for both locals and tourists.

Meanwhile, Coordinator at the Guyana National Road Safety Council, Romona Doorgen, has announced plans to devise a five-year national plan to address these issues and instigate a cultural shift on Guyana’s roads.
“We are continuing to work with the Ministry of Home Affairs to have the national form…to come up with the national plan. We need a national five-year action plan for traffic management and enforcement. If we don’t work together, the chain is as strong as its weakest link…,” Doorgen has said.
Recently, the Police Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, asserted that all drivers, regardless of their status, would face consequences for breaking the law. Acknowledging that some drivers neglect the five ‘Cs’ of the road, Singh revealed that speeding, cell phone usage (particularly texting), alcohol, and loud music systems in vehicles are significant contributors to reckless and dangerous behaviours.
The Traffic Chief elucidated that while there are other factors influencing such behaviours, these highlighted ones stand out as major distractions on the road. He said drivers must recognize that their actions not only jeopardize their safety, but also endanger the lives of others.
Despite the police being familiar with these contributing factors, the Traffic Chief emphasized, it is the collective responsibility of all Guyanese to curb these practices and prioritize road safety. (G9)