Dear Editor,
In your January 17, 2009 issue of the Stabroek News, letter writer M Emile wrote about the conditions of the roads in Lethem. He stated that the sections of the roads which were graded have already deteriorated. Why? Lack of materials? (laterite); expertise? Tools? Workers?
He further stated, “…the laterite heaps deposited on both sides are now a traffic hazard, particularly at night because there are no traffic lights. Already there have been a number of minor accidents where cyclists and vehicles have ridden into the heaps. Thankfully, there were no major injuries.” He went on to say, “…the next unsuspecting victim may not be so fortunate. Are we to wait until this happens before action will be taken?”
Ernest Phillip was the unsuspecting victim when he had his head crushed by the tractor he was driving. Coming to the end of a 95-mile trip, the tractor slammed into one of the laterite heaps.
Those who supervise these roadworks should have taken the necessary precautions. It takes an ordinary person to see these hazards. You do not have to be a nuclear scientist to know when to put up road safety signs.
Alas! It is too late. A life was taken! I suspect that as I write this letter the “road gang” is working overtime to have these mounds of death removed. Too late! Those responsible should be dismissed forthwith. This is an occasion when Minister Benn can now wield his mighty clout.
The Karasabai-Lethem road has already taken the life of Elmo at the Karasabai end, now Ernest at the Lethem end. The distance between these two points drives a deathly fear into me. M Emile was so right.
My belated sympathies to the family and relatives of Ernest Phillip, who was a pupil of mine in the early ’70s at Karaudanawa, South Rupununi.
Yours faithfully,
Joseph Torres