While the Guyana Police Force (GPF) customarily sends out Police releases regarding matters under investigation, including accidents, the lack of information following an accident involving a Government vehicle has prompted enquiries.
This publication made contact with several Police officials, including acting Traffic Chief Ramesh Ashram, to ask for an update on the investigation of the accident that occurred last week following the PNCR’s congress, but Ashram could give no update, as he reportedly was “not at work.”
He, however, did refer this publication to a senior officer at the Brickdam Police Station; but that official was at first unsure which accident he was being asked about, and its connection to the People’s National Congress (PNC). According to that official, however, the matter is supposed to be investigated.
When contacted on Wednesday, Police spokesman Jairam Ramlakhan revealed that there has been no arrest. He did not say who were involved in the accident, but described the matter as “minor”.
The accident occurred following a social event held for the delegation of the 20th Biennial Congress of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) at the Georgetown Club on Friday evening.
Festivities ended in chaos after at least five vehicles belonging to attendees — including the one attached to the Social Cohesion Ministry — became involved in a massive collision outside of the Camp Street, Georgetown venue.
Efforts made then to contract Social Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton for a comment on the issue had proved futile. Even then, details were sketchy. However, both Police “A” Division Commander Marlon Chapman and acting Traffic Chief Ramesh Ashram had confirmed the incident. However, while Chapman had noted that he had no information regarding what had transpired, Ashram had disclosed that one State vehicle belonging to the Social Cohesion Ministry had been involved. The Traffic Chief had further explained that the multiple-vehicle collision was deemed minor, as only vehicles were damaged.
When this publication spoke to him subsequently, he said he had only been briefed on the accident, and had not received a full report as yet. That was on Saturday.
Meanwhile, while unconfirmed, information has surfaced that the accident may have occurred as a result of the PNC/R Congress attendees attempting to drive while inebriated. Several persons were said to be injured. It is unclear whether the Police had administered breathalyser tests on the individuals involved.
