Govt commits to holding reckless drivers accountable for damage to public property

…to pursue compensation for damage caused to BJ Demerara Bridge following accident

The Government of Guyana intends to seek compensation from any party found responsible for the damage to public infrastructure on the eastern approach of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, following a recent accident involving a minibus.

Just over a week since the opening of the facility, a Route 44 minibus crashed into the median separating the northbound and southbound lanes at the bridge’s eastern end, thus causing significant damage, including the destruction of solar-powered street lights.
During his weekly programme “Issues In the News”, Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to holding reckless drivers accountable for damage to public property, consistent with its established approach in similar cases.
“Let me assure you that our Government acts in an even-handed manner. If we are committed to a course of conduct, then we are committed to it. And once we are committed to that course of conduct, then whoever it is, the treatment will not be different. Equal treatment is part of the constitutional protection accorded to every Guyanese citizen,” the AG said.

The driver is currently hospitalised, and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is conducting an active investigation. Once the investigation is concluded and damages are fully assessed, the AG’s Chambers will begin legal proceedings to recover the cost of repairs.
“The matter is being investigated by the Police. A report obviously is being compiled. The damage done to the public infrastructure is currently being assessed, and included in that assessment, obviously, would be the cost of reparation.”
The AG added that in accordance with existing procedures, once culpability is determined, a formal letter will be dispatched to the responsible party seeking compensation. If that letter is ignored or inadequately addressed, further legal proceedings will follow.”
“That is the approach that was adopted on previous occasions, and it yielded the compensation that was requested, and the public property was restored,” he said.
Nandlall’s remarks come in response to questions and speculation circulating on social media regarding whether the Government would pursue compensation in this particular case.
As such, he reaffirmed that no special treatment will be afforded to any individual, regardless of circumstance.
“No different approach will be taken here, because our Government made a public commitment to go after the persons who wantonly, negligently, and recklessly destroy public property.”
“I just want to say that for those who are asking whether some different treatment will be meted out to this particular motor user – I don’t know why they believe that some form of different treatment is expected to be meted out to this particular individual,” he added.
The Government has previously recovered costs for similar incidents involving destruction of public assets and says it will continue to protect public infrastructure and enforce accountability.