Dear Editor,
The consistency with which lives are lost to boat mishaps and river accidents is alarming. Only Wednesday last a life was lost in the Pomeroon River and now two men are feared dead after they allegedly jumped overboard after the boat they were traveling in started to take in water, according to the police report. It is sad, and again, could this incident have been avoided? Editor, the report also stated that the captain was an unlicensed pilot and the men were not wearing lifejackets. One thing is for sure lifejackets save lives. It is an unfortunate incident but both commuters and boat captain must, and at all times, take precautions especially when navigating the waters because none of us can predict when some disaster or accident would occur.
Editor I believe stricter measures and initiatives must be implemented to protect persons navigating river ways. However, while some parts of the country do have a policy where all passengers have to wear a lifejacket when boarding a speed boat, in areas where there are no monitors the same policy should be applied. Editor, it is a sad situation but we don’t want a repeat. Therefore, measures and principles must become effective every time someone travels in a boat. Condolences to the relatives who would have lost a loved one under those frightening situation. Editor we can’t afford to be losing our precious young lives to accidents which could have possibly been avoided. Guyana needs them.
Sincerely,
Yannason Duncan
