Dear Editor,
A little evidence certainly tells the whole story according to Guyanese proverb, “If oil ah float, watta deh ah battam!” Another horrible accident by Sheriff Street last Tuesday increased the fatality statistics to an illogical status. The logistics to compute this uncompromising position include: males, adults in their twenties, speed, trucks, time and disregard for traffic rules, among other incidentals. This incident reflects the existential craziness which proliferates the obvious inconsideration of those thoughtless ones who deliberately flaunt traffic rules and regulations to pose a threat to the lives of the unfortunate bystanders.
The same way “every rope gat two ends,” the Government will continue to construct modern roads to facilitate the current needs, but at the said time, the Government will also deal severely with the delinquent users. Lawlessness certainly continues to eclipse lawfulness on the roads of Guyana as the carnage figure mounts in a most atrocious manner, attracting the attention of all civic minded Guyanese and also to alarm the Head of State, Dr. Irfaan Ali, to not only summon a special gathering Thursday but also, to read the riot act on road users, the police and the law makers. President Ali had to take special time out to address the despicable deterioration of the sad status of accidents occurring on the roads especially in the eyes of a distinguished Head of State of another country paying a visit to our dear land of Guyana.
It is demeaning to know that the reckless behaviour of careless road users is a heartless exercise which daily plagues the lives of many innocent Guyanese who have to suffer because of irresponsible elements factored to create this unacceptable fiasco. Many lives are snuffed out, people are maimed and disfigured, there are financial, physical and emotional loses, properties are lost and or damaged and dependents are left to survive without loved ones. Those left behind to struggle with life quickly realize that, “Nah every crab hole get crab.” As people’s lives are disrupted and disturbed, unforeseen, unplanned and uncalled for circumstances become a reality and have to be dealt with condignly, thanks to brash and brazen drivers and riders.
President Ali painfully pleaded with all road users to exercise due care and attention and to comply with the laws governing the usage of the road. His Excellency intensively instructed those shoulder to uphold and execute the law to adhere to their responsibility without fear or favour. “Spare the rod and spoil the child” is one of the deficiencies which need to be rectified. As Commander-in-Chief, Dr. Ali advised his legal advocators to amend the law in order to plug any loopholes or flaws which may not be stringent enough and are bending towards some degree of leniency for punishment.
Guyanese have this tendency to require constant supervision in order to stay in line. Perpetual policing is of paramount priority. When the “cat is away, the mice will play.” The minute, the teacher turns her or his back, many students resort to disorderly behaviour. That is why the President threw down the gauntlet and will bring out the heavy artillery before the Christmas holiday begins. His game plan includes: the usage of body cameras and CCTV, the help of digital speed advisory boards, suspend driver’s license after the issuance of three tickets, clamping down on illegal and abusive use of sirens and emergency lights, stricter monitoring of drinking and driving, pursuing bar owners who sell alcohol to drunk drivers and suspending bar license, reviewing the competence of truck drivers, etc.
It was a case of “mouth open, story jump out.” The President spoke to the country and all the relevant stakeholders Thursday and just after midnight, in of all places, the famous village of Leonora, residents were awakened because of a rowdy commotion in front of the infamous Leonora bar where a pedestrian was involved in an accident with a car, the driver and the victim being customers patronizing the business premises in the wee hours of the morning. As was instructed by the COP, policemen are required to be on the beat in the street and keep the peace in that area. Did the police failed to follow simple instruction? When will we address the question of licensed bars functioning in residential areas and disturbing the neighbourhood? When will we address the situation of bars and night clubs operating after midnight especially in the rural areas?
“When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” The conversation unfortunately fell short and did not lament on the loud, lewd and lousy music being blasted at high decibels on moving and parked vehicles, especially in the mini buses and taxis servicing defenseless customers, day and night. Why are these vehicles allowed to be heavily equipped with all the latest electrical gadgets which will make them sound like a concert in the open park? Why are police turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to this antic, annoying and antagonizing anti-social behaviour which takes place in their presence? This nefarious interference which disturbs the peace is unacceptable and its wing needs to be clipped.
While the Government is building more streets, roads and highways to better accommodate the heavy traffic and numerous vehicles for transportation, Guyanese are reminded of their proverb, “Cat a ketch rat, but he a thief he massa fish.” Good and evil come from the same source and so, the government and the people have to be wary of this sickening road situation and take all and full precaution to prevent accidents. Remember the 5 C’s and do the right thing because, road safety is every body’s business.
Yours respectfully,
Jai Lall.
