“List being prepared” – Pres Ali on drivers found with illegally-obtained licences

…also pushing for tougher anti-littering laws, hefty fines

Guyanese authorities are currently in the processing of compiling a list of persons flagged for irregularities in obtaining their drivers’ licence, with President Dr Irfaan Ali saying that those names will be published soon.
Back in December, the Guyanese leader had announced a major crackdown on corruption in the process for issuing drivers’ licences, noting that an audit had already uncovered those licences that were illegally obtained.
Speaking with reporters on the side-lines of an event in Georgetown on Wednesday, President Ali said, “We found some glaring inconsistency between those who wrote the theoretical exam and those who got the practical exams, and then those who ultimately got the licence. The reconciliation is ongoing, and what you will see very soon is a list published of persons who will be asked to come in to explain themselves. So, I know that that list has been prepared.”
Though he opted not to go into detail regarding the list, the head of state explained that this compilation process is a multi-agency effort that is being led by the Ministry of Government Efficiency and Implementation and involves the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as well as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
This move to streamline the licensing process is part of a broader effort by the Guyanese Government to enhance road safety and curb the growing number of fatalities on the country’s roadways.

In fact, President Ali told reporters on Wednesday that there would be a fresh round of tougher traffic laws. Already, the Government has increased fines and imposed stronger penalties for various traffic violations. However, the Government is looking at further tightening these penalties to combat road deaths.
According to the Guyanese leader, enforcement continues to be an issue – something which the Government is now trying to address with the cameras installed on major roadways across the country.
“The enforcement is a problem, but we’re improving enforcement with the cameras. So, I’ve asked the Attorney General [Anil Nandlall, SC] to once again look at what additional measures will be needed and to ensure that wherever amendments are needed, those amendments will be in place,” Dr Ali posited.
Back in December, President Ali had indicated that in addition to those who illegally obtained the licences, those officials who were also involved in the issuance of the document would also be sent home.
“That is the only way we can beat this corruption… We have to prosecute all parties involved,” the president had stressed.
He had noted that “GRA gave more licence than practical and theoretical passes.” So, we have now triangulated the entire process, and we have all the data and information before us. I told you technology and the use of technology will be deployed at full scale. And that is what we are doing.”

Curbing littering
Meanwhile, during Wednesday’s interview, President Ali also told reporters that the Government will also be using the cameras to clampdown on littering across the country. In fact, the laws will be amended to bring stronger penalties for improper disposal of garbage and littering.
“I have asked the Attorney General to amend all the rules [and] the laws to reflect the changing landscape of our security, and that is the use of camera evidence against persons who are littering. So, I’ve asked him to have all of these amendments ready for Parliament because these are key and critical,” the Head of State noted.
“We can’t develop a society without care and without attention to these what some may believe are small details, but very important details. If our society is to be disciplined, and if we want to create the Guyana that would be a leader in tourism, technology, food, and energy, we must be a leader with conscience, a leader with humility, and a leader with a sense of environmental stewardship and quality of life that is second to none.”
This move comes days after Guyana, especially Georgetown, recently experienced a bout of flooding after days of persistent rainfall. However, it was found that several main drainage canals and waterways were clogged with garbage – a situation that several Government ministers, including Attorney General Nandlall, had bemoaned.
A nationwide clean-up exercise is set for this Saturday, with all administrative regions expected to participate in a coordinated effort to enhance sanitation across Guyana. The exercise will commence at 06:00h and will see residents, community groups, and local authorities joining forces to clean and restore public spaces in both urban and hinterland communities.