By Mark DaCosta- In an incident on Sunday morning, two men tragically lost their lives in a road accident along the Belle Vue Public Road in West Coast Berbice. This deeply saddening event underscores the alarming surge in fatalities on our nation’s roads, which has been a growing concern in recent years.
The victims of this calamity have been identified as 29-year-old Davin Daniels, who was behind the wheel, and 49-year-old Mark George, a pedestrian. The accident occurred shortly after 05:40 hrs as Daniels was driving his vehicle, a motor car bearing the registration PAD 9544, at an excessive speed along the northern lane of the public road. Eyewitness accounts and ensuing police reports indicate that Daniels lost control of the car, leading to a catastrophic series of events.
As he veered uncontrollably to the southern side of the road, the vehicle first collided with a vegetable stall, which was thankfully unoccupied at the time. However, the vehicle did not stop there; it continued its perilous journey, crashing into a bus shed where George was seated on a wooden bench. The impact of this collision was devastating, as the bus shed collapsed and pinned George underneath its structure. The vehicle’s momentum carried it further, culminating in a crash against a utility pole, where it finally came to a standstill.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, and both men were extracted from the wreckage and transported to the Fort Wellington Hospital. Tragically, they were pronounced dead shortly upon arrival. This incident is not isolated; it highlights a disturbing trend of increasing fatalities on our nation’s roads.
According to the Guyana Police Force’s recent statistics, road incidents have surged alarmingly, with a notable rise in fatal accidents. In the first half of 2025 alone, there were 54 fatal accidents, resulting in 58 fatalities — an increase of 17 percent from the previous year. A significant contributing factor to this rise is speeding, which was implicated in 48 of these tragedies.
Motorcyclists, an especially vulnerable group, have faced a marked increase in related deaths, prompting ongoing safety campaigns. Disturbingly, many of these accidents involve riders who are not adhering to safety regulations, notably the lack of helmet usage. Additionally, pedestrian fatalities, while decreasing overall, still remain a pressing issue for authorities as they continue to urge greater awareness among road users.
The deaths of Daniels and George brings to the forefront the urgent need for a cultural shift regarding road safety. The Ministry of Home Affairs is currently intensifying its ‘Do the Right Thing’ campaign, stressing the importance of vigilance and adherence to traffic laws.
As Guyana grapples with these distressing realities, the loss of life in accidents like the one involving Daniels and George serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of existence on our roads. It is imperative for authorities, communities, and individuals to come together to foster a road culture prioritising safety, accountability, and education among all users.
