Lethem, Guyana – The Ministry of Home Affairs’ “Do the Right Thing” road safety campaign has made its way to Lethem, Region Nine, as part of its nationwide effort to promote safer road practices and reduce traffic fatalities.
The campaign, which was launched in October 2024, aims to address reckless driving, speeding, and other dangerous behaviors that have contributed to a worrying rise in road accidents across Guyana. Lethem residents gathered at a community forum over the weekend to engage with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Guyana Police Force, and the National Road Safety Council.
During the event, residents were educated on critical road safety measures such as the importance of wearing seat belts, adhering to speed limits, and avoiding distractions like mobile phone use while driving. Special emphasis was placed on the dangers of driving under the influence and the need for pedestrians and cyclists to use high-visibility clothing when navigating busy roads.
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, who spearheaded the campaign’s launch last year, reiterated its importance in creating a culture of responsibility on Guyana’s roads. “Every life lost on our roads is one too many,” he said in a statement. “This campaign is about saving lives by encouraging everyone—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists—to do their part in making our roads safer.”
Lethem’s inclusion in the campaign comes at a crucial time as road usage increases due to growing economic activity in the region. Residents expressed appreciation for the initiative but also raised concerns about inadequate road infrastructure and limited enforcement of traffic laws in rural areas.
The “Do the Right Thing” campaign has seen significant outreach efforts across Guyana, including media campaigns, school visits, and community workshops. It aligns with Guyana’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety goal of halving road fatalities by 2030.
As the campaign continues its journey across the country, officials remain hopeful that increased awareness and cooperation from all road users will lead to a meaningful reduction in accidents and fatalities. Lethem residents have pledged their support for the initiative, recognizing that road safety is a shared responsibility.
