By Iva Wharton
The Guyana Power Boat Racing Association (GPBRA) is moving to implement a number of new safety measures following the death of veteran power boat racer Orin ‘Monty’ Belle, according to GPBRA President Winston Miller.
“We always have safety measures in place, in fact we give the racers a four-page direction which is read by all racers before. But they are so accustomed to reading it because every year we normally give them a new copy which they sign.”
Miller in an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport said too that there is the indemnity form which has all the rules to which the drivers have to sign on to. It also states that the association could not be held responsible for accidents on the water.
Miller, however, said that with the death of Belle there is need for newer safety measures.
“We are looking at scrutinizers, we must have scrutinizers to scrutinize these boats and engines to determine their horse power for the race they are entering. Also there is need for boat fitness, so we need scrutinizers to do all of that.”
He said that drivers are not allowed to drink before races and to the best of his knowledge they don’t imbibe before races.
“Now something that I want to implement is having a medical team on site for every competition.”
Referring to the last competition which was planned for Lake Mainstay, Miller explained that the management of Lake Mainstay was unable to source an ambulance.
“At Lake Mainstay especially because at Bartica we have the hospital just next door so Bartica is not a problem. But Lake Mainstay we had a hard time locating them, they said that they hired a bus, but the bus was there yes, but we did not find anybody. We called on the loud speaker and yelling for the medical personnel. But a vehicle was there but medical personnel like a doctor we did not see.”
Miller said the driver of the makeshift ambulance surfaced after they had placed Belle at the back of a pickup truck to take him to seek medical assistance.
According to Miller if there is not a medical team onsite at Lake Mainstay or any other venue then there will be no competition.
“I am saying to racers now they should demand and they have a right to see that there is a medical doctor there and an ambulance before any racing takes place. That is the racers’ right.”
He also said that the management of the facility where the competitions are held must ensure that rescue boats are on each turn with lifeguards in case of an accident.
“My advice to racers is to purchase a protective suit that comes with helmet and goggles. The suit keeps your head above water in case of a serious accident. I know that it is expensive, but it makes no sense to invest millions of dollars in buying boats and engines and you don’t protect yourself.”
Belle, he said, did have on a helmet and goggles, but the way in which the accident occurred none of the two could have saved him. “But you know the safety strap they don’t really fasten it, some of them would unhook it as it restricts them in some way.”
Miller also said that the time is now right for racers to be issued with racing licenses, which is why he would be approaching both the Transport and Harbours and the Maritime Departments. “I don’t think novices should get into races that are for professional racers because novices are always doing nonsense. A novice would buy a boat and then jump in and say he is a driver and there are no restrictions to say, no you can’t race. But what I am saying is that new comers should be qualified.”
Miller said that he will not make any further comments for fear of embarrassing the organizers of the Regatta, but said there would be stricter measures in place.
He also said that should the organizers of the Regatta fail to comply with the new safety measures, then there will not be any racing at the event as the lives of the racers are important. These new measures, according to Miller, would be in place by September month end.
Prior to Belle’s death, Miller said, there was the death of Ganesh Singh some years ago at the Swims Club on the East Bank of Demerara.
He said, however, that Singh’s death was reportedly a result of negligence on the part of the other boat operator, but Belle’s death was an accident.
