Royston Drakes Production

Four killed, three hospitalized in Linden Highway crash

Four people were killed and three others hospitalized Friday night after a motor car collided with a Guyana Defence Force truck on Long Creek Public Road, Linden Highway, police said.

The dead were identified as Egburt Blair, 55, of Lot 53, Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, who was driving the car; Tevin Thompson, 30, of Lot 352, One Mile, Wismar; Dannel Darrell, 28, of Lot 430, Block 22, Wismar; and Eon Jarvis, 40, of Wismar, Linden.

Police said their initial investigation found that lorry DFB 1788 was traveling south along the eastern driving lane of Long Creek Public Road when car PZZ 8392, which was traveling behind it at an alleged fast rate of speed, lost control and collided with the rear of the truck.

The four occupants were pronounced dead at Linden Hospital Complex.

Sharon Trim, Rawley Williams and Roydel Prince were hospitalized following the crash.

Firefighters and emergency responders were called to the scene to extricate occupants trapped inside the wrecked car.

Police said investigations into the crash are ongoing.

President commissions broad-based task force to develop comprehensive recommendations and actions to address the welfare and safety of children

His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali held a consultative engagement with representatives from Government, the Judiciary, the Speaker of the National Assembly, constitutional commissions, law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations, during which a number of key and critical issues concerning the mental health, welfare and safety of Guyana’s most precious assets, its children.

Based on recent events, the meeting agreed that several segments of society must take immediate, drastic, and coordinated action to address the wide range of factors that have led to the current situation. This approach must include the parents, the Government, the school system, the social and religious organisations, law enforcement, the Judiciary, and every other important stakeholder organisation in society.

Public awareness, education, parental support, activities at schools, psychosocial support, mentoring, the promotion of healthy, recreational activities, regulating exposures to music, social media and other such influences, revision of laws, reviewing law enforcement approach and adjustments in the administration of justice, among other measures, were all considered key and critical to addressing this national problem.

To address all the issues discussed and in fashioning a comprehensive approach, His Excellency directed the Hon. Attorney General to coordinate an inter-agency task force that will comprise representatives from government, the judiciary, law enforcement, the religious organisations, civil society and other relevant stakeholders to conceive and design a comprehensive plan of recommendations and actions for review and implementation.