Speeding, roaming animals, cattle rustling among challenges in Region 5 – Police

Challenges faced daily by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are many, and include spreading motorists, unbranded roaming animals, and cattle rustling.

This is according to Regional Commander Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon, who, during the GPF’s programme “Police and You”, said the district is currently in the process of trying to curb these activities.
Speaking on the previous fatal accidents that occurred in the district, the Commander said drivers should adhere to the speed limits on the roadways in order to avoid accidents.
“The West Coast Berbice road is a very technical road to drive, and if you don’t know it, then you shouldn’t be speeding. You should try as much as possible to comply (with) the speed limit of the road…there are certain parts of the road where the speed limit is 55km per hour…if you are gonna drive within the prescribe speed limit, it gives you ample thinking time, breaking time…,” he said.
The Commander further underscored that because a major activity in the Region is cattle-raring, there would be animals on the road, which can cause accidents. He said if drivers adhere to the traffic laws, there would be a reduction in road accidents.
“Adhering to the speed limit, knowing your surroundings…if you are going through a built-up area, there is no need for you to be speeding. You have to cater for someone who is not catering for themselves”, the Commander posited.
In addition, Commander Simon said a Stray Catchers Unit operating out of the Home Affairs Ministry had been responsible for impounding animals roaming on the roadways. However, he is unaware whether that unit is still active.
In this light, he said his ranks would usually inbound stray animals caught on the road, and the owners are required to pay a fee before the animal is released.
“If the animal is involved in an accident, the driver is permitted to bring the animal to the station…most times, many of these animals are unbranded, and as such, you cannot establish ownership… we are having this problem in our region,” he said.
Speaking on the issue of cattle rustling, the Commander said this has become the most prevalent crime in his district. He said all cattle farmers have their ranches off the main access road, and one limitation of the Police is accessibility to the areas that are located in the back dam.
“This is because of not having a mounted motor vehicle to traverse the back lands; so, you find at least two, three, four times a week you have reports at the stations about cattle rustling, or persons losing their animals”, he explained.
The Commander said his ranks try to be as diligent as possible in monitoring cattle transiting, and checking for brands along with the establishment of ownership.
“In terms of cattle rustling, the main complaint is that ‘this person brand my animal, or sold it’, and when you get the vet to examine the previous brand, there is none. You cannot claim ownership because you failed to brand your animal within the stipulated period, which is six months”.
According to Commander Simon, to deal with such issues, the animal in dispute is lodged, and a report is drafted and sent for legal advice.
“Based on what evidence you are able to unearth, it might come back as charged, or sometimes it says ‘let the parties take private legal action…,’ or they say to ‘keep the animal in Police care, and put it up for auction sale’.”
The Commander is urging persons to avoid these illegal activities, and adhere to traffic laws. (G9)