Dear Editor,
I have been over the years a defender of the PPP/C government, as it relates to extreme and absurd criticisms, because I at least accept the need for genuine, constructive criticism. I also made certain criticisms in my column in the Kaieteur News.
It is my belief though, that I can use the media to discuss important issues and happenings even if these are critical of the performance of certain governmental actors. I recall that I used to broadside the PNC and I was victimised, beaten and jailed. I remember that I was a teacher in a secondary school and I was transferred to teach Prep A. I subsequently resigned.
I want to think, however, that this government would not, as the PNC did, victimise persons for writing critically of it. I feel there is a need for the electorate to be critical of the work and conduct of persons in high office especially, as they are servants of the people.
With respect to the traffic laws and regulations, someone within the government seems to have ‘yellow fever,’ and maybe this is what accounts for the most stupid placement of yellow lines on the roads of this country.
Today bridges are far wider than the road itself and so why is overtaking restricted? Throughout the world we have overpasses and flyways and there are no restrictions with regards to overtaking.
Strangely at Buxton there are two bridges that have not been widened and there are dotted lines across those bridges.
I recall raising this issue in the presence of Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee as well as Norman Mclean at a public consultation at Mahaica, and even though a long time has elapsed no changes have been implemented and the lines have been redrawn in a more ridiculous manner.
I have spoken to police officers at various levels and they agree that something is wrong.
Even where the lines are necessary around blind turns, the lines are solid throughout. However, they should be dotted on one side after the turn has been navigated because the driver would have clear vision of the road ahead.
Laws need to be well thought out and reasonable and should relate to local conditions. If laws are unreasonable it prompts people to break them. The ridiculous yellow lines are one such example.
There are other areas too where there seem to be a knee-jerk response to the way laws have been formulated and implemented.
I am waiting to see if this would stimulate corrective actions. There is a need for creativity and vision and a large dose of taking advice from people.
Yours faithfully,
Rajendra Bisessar