Stop going after touts, arrest drunken drivers- APNU tells police

Last Updated on Thursday, 12 June 2014, 18:05 by GxMedia

The parliamentary opposition coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) called on the police force to cease its crackdown on touts in Georgetown and go after drunken drivers, in the wake of Wednesday night’s deadly hit-and-run rampage.

“APNU calls on the Guyana Police Force to stop chasing touts in Georgetown and instead go after the drunken drivers who are killing people on our roads,” said the coalition in a statement.

Touting is often regarded as a nuisance by minibus passengers who are stormed and pulled by persons soliciting on behalf of drivers and conductors. Passengers have in the past complained of losing their personal property as a result of touting.

APNU said it has repeatedly called attention to the public health and public safety crisis that driving under the influence of alcohol poses to the citizens of Guyana.

Police on Thursday said the driver, 18-year old Nakesh Persaud, was driving under the influence of alcohol when he committed the offence on the Corentyne Highway.

APNU used the opportunity to extend sincere condolences to the family of Shamaine Cort, 3; Tabithia LaToya Bagot, 19; and Malkie Juanita Bagot, 16 who lost their lives Wednesday night.

APNU also said it empathized with the family of Delroy Park and Mathew McBean who suffered serious injuries and are listed in critical condition. McBean and Park were injured in two separate incidents during Persaud’s reckless rampage on the Corentyne highway. “The Partnership wishes them a speedy and full recovery.”

 The coalition also recalled that the National Assembly had passed a resolution July 30, 2012 expressing no confidence in Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Clement Rohee.

APNU reiterated its call on President Donald Ramotar to revoke the appointment of Rohee as Minister of Home Affairs and “appoint someone who is capable of ensuring human safety.”