Dear Editor,
The Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Clement Rohee, whose ministerial portfolio includes civilian law enforcement, appears not to be setting the right example on seat-belt use. While Mr. Rohee was in the back-seat of his vehicle, (number given) on Wednesday December 12, 2007 at 9:43 AM on Avenue of the Republic and Croal Street awaiting the change of the red light; his driver was seen not wearing his seat-belt.
I am not surprised because most if not all police ranks and officers on or off-duty in police vehicles, their own vehicles or mini-buses do not wear seat-belts.
Perhaps, it is time the Minister of Home Affairs sets the first example by having his driver, who is a serving policeman, wear his seat-belt. And, Minister Rohee, never mind you are in the back-seat you, too, can be a role model for your cabinet colleagues and the general public by wearing your seat-belt.
The same can be said for Minister of Education, Shaikh Baksh, who should be among the first advocates given the importance and relevance of traffic education in schools. Mr Baksh is often seen driving himself without wearing his seat-belt.
Yours faithfully,
Mustapha Alphonso
Editor’s note
We sent copies of this letter to Ministers Rohee and Baksh for their comments and received the following response from Minister Rohee:
“It is interesting to note that there are members of the public who take a keen interest in Government Ministers’ welfare such as their use/non use of seat belts not to mention the details on the number plate of their vehicles.
One is left to wonder whether the real intention of the letter writer was to make the point about the seat belt or to advertise the details of the number plate of the Minister’s vehicle. (Editor’s note, we have deleted the number of the licence).
The above notwithstanding, on the question of setting an example for the benefit of readers. I refer to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act No. 4 of 2002 Section 45E (1) Sub-Section (2) which states.
Subject to sub-section (2) every person who drives or rides in the front seat of a motor vehicle shall wear a seat belt.
Sub-Section (1) shall not apply to
(d) A person riding in a vehicle which is being used for fire service, police purposes, prison duties, military service or other government enforcement services.”
There has been no reply so far from Minister Baksh.
