Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has renewed the government’s call for greater personal responsibility on Guyana’s roadways as it prepares to launch the “Secure-I” digital crime reporting platform.
This initiative will complement the ongoing rollout of the national helmet distribution campaign.
Speaking during a recent public outreach, Minister Benn emphasised the ministry’s commitment to “increasing peace in the nation,” with a focus on addressing road accidents, which he described as a form of violent crime.
“We want to halve the number of road deaths in Guyana. Unfortunately, there’s been a three per cent increase in road fatalities so far this year, and nearly all of those affected have been motorcyclists,” the minister stated.
According to Benn, at least 20 motorcyclists have died on the roads this year alone—an alarming figure that underscores the urgent need for enhanced road safety practices.
To address this, the Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force and corporate sponsors, has been distributing helmets across the country. The campaign, which began last year, aims to reduce fatalities and injuries by promoting responsible road use—particularly among motorcyclists and young people.
“We want persons to do the right thing—especially in wearing helmets,” Benn urged, adding that priority is being given to distributing full-face helmets that offer improved protection. “We call on motorcyclists to take their safety seriously. The right gear could be the difference between life and death.”
In addition to road safety, Minister Benn highlighted improvements in public security, noting a 12.3 per cent reduction in serious crimes compared to the same period last year.
He attributed this to better policing strategies and community cooperation and announced the upcoming launch of a new digital tool, “Secure-I”, a rapid response and reporting system that allows citizens to report crimes and safety concerns directly through their phones, tablets, or computers.
“This platform will make it easier for people to report incidents such as domestic violence, robbery, and other public safety concerns,” Benn explained. “It feeds directly into the police database and will allow for faster, more effective responses.”
Minister Benn encouraged citizens to download the Secure-I app once it becomes available and use it actively to report crimes and emergencies.
He also made a broader appeal to all Guyanese—especially youth—to take ownership of their safety and be champions of safer communities. “Every citizen has a role to play. We want to build a country where our roads, homes, and neighbourhoods are safe for all—especially women and children.”
