In a move towards enhancing public safety, the Home Affairs Ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, launched the ‘Do the Right Thing’ road safety initiative on November 1, 2024. Spearheaded by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, this campaign has already made significant strides in educating thousands of citizens about responsible road use and safe driving practices. President Dr. Irfaan Ali has praised this initiative, acknowledging its success while calling for an even greater effort in reaching younger generations.
The president’s endorsement of the initiative comes at a crucial time when Guyana continues to grapple with road safety concerns. He commended Minister Benn for his dedication to public education, emphasizing that the campaign extends its reach to every citizen. ‘Do the Right Thing’ is more than just a slogan; it is a movement aimed at fostering a culture of responsibility on the nation’s roads. The initiative seeks to instill values of caution, respect, and adherence to traffic laws, ultimately reducing accidents and fatalities.
However, while recognising the campaign’s achievements, President Ali stressed the need for increased engagement with schoolchildren. He called on police officers and division commanders to take an active role in integrating road safety awareness into the school system. By focusing on students between the ages of 9 to 13—an age group particularly receptive to learning and behavioral guidance—Guyana stands a better chance of shaping a generation of responsible road users.
Winning this battle for the minds of young citizens is about more than just road safety; it is about instilling broader societal values. As the President noted, raising children to understand and uphold the principles of safety, discipline, and respect will pay long-term dividends. These young minds, when properly guided, will grow into law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to their communities and the nation.
Proactive policing plays a vital role in this endeavor. The traditional model of law enforcement often focuses on reacting to incidents after they occur. However, the ‘Do the Right Thing’ initiative embodies a more forward-thinking approach, one that prevents infractions before they happen by nurturing an informed and responsible populace. This proactive stance not only strengthens road safety but also contributes to broader crime prevention efforts.
In today’s world, where issues of accountability and the use of force in policing are being debated globally, Guyana has a unique opportunity to lead by example. The campaign’s emphasis on education over enforcement aligns with best practices in modern law enforcement, where community engagement and preventative measures yield more sustainable results than punitive actions alone. Ensuring that the next generation is well-versed in road safety will lead to fewer infractions, less strain on law enforcement resources, and a decline in road-related tragedies.
The president’s call is both timely and necessary. The statistics on road accidents underscore the urgent need for sustained intervention. Reckless driving, speeding, and disregard for traffic laws continue to claim lives and cause untold grief to families. The ‘Do the Right Thing’ initiative is a step in the right direction, but it must be supported at all levels of society. Schools, parents, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies must work together to reinforce the principles of safe road use.
Additionally, leveraging digital platforms and social media can significantly enhance the reach and effectiveness of the campaign. Younger generations are highly engaged online, making digital outreach a powerful tool for spreading awareness. Interactive campaigns, virtual seminars, and engaging educational content can complement traditional methods of instruction, ensuring that road safety messages resonate with students.
The challenge now lies in sustaining and expanding these efforts. Public safety campaigns often face the risk of losing momentum after the initial launch. Continuous evaluation, innovative outreach strategies, and strong leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the ‘Do the Right Thing’ initiative remains effective.
By embracing road safety as a collective responsibility and instilling these values in the youngest members of society, the country can pave the way for a safer future.
