April 13, 2014

Dear Sir,

“Accidents Waiting to Happen”

You know, for all of the banter, that some persons say about the former Progressive Labour Party Government, one thing is clear, and that is that they felt the pulse of the people of this country, and were working to see that the needs of the people were met. Mr Editor, I feel compelled to write this letter as I have been waiting patiently to hear something from the One Bermuda Alliance Government on three very important issues and to date there has been nothing — to my recollection. When the former Government — the PLP — was in office under the then-Minister of Public Works, Michael Weeks who I recall information that he gave about having the sidewalks in Bermuda restructured to make them wheelchair accessible. To date, I wonder if this present OBA Government finds that worthy to consider or has seen fit to further action this item, as I have seen no progress made in that regard since the PLP left office. And it is imperative, that we remember those who have physical challenges, and do what must be done to accommodate them. To not do so, is blatant discrimination.

Further, I also recall Mr Weeks addressing the matter of constant traffic issues at the stop and go’s in Flatts and Northshore Road by Black Watch pass. He spoke of having ‘Roundabouts’ placed in those areas to allay the traffic confusion that occurs in those areas, due to the heavy flow of traffic at all times during the course of a day. With that, I would like to inquire as to whether the OBA Government has begun to look at these very important issues and if they will take up the mantle started by the former PLP Government and make some inroads sooner rather than later? Accidents are waiting to happen in these areas, and some have unfortunately already happened. And, it is just a matter of time before something serious will occur at these junctures. Certainly, at the North shore/Langton Hill area, given that there is so much land area at the bottom of the Government House property, perhaps, the OBA Government could seek permission to use some of that land for the widening and then restructuring of that area for a ‘Roundabout’. I think that was an idea proposed by the former PLP Government. Personally, it pains me to see the physically challenged attempting to negotiate the roads where there are no accessible sidewalks, and many of us, I am sure, have firsthand witnessed near serious collisions at both of these junctures. OBA, there has been a lot of broken promises, a lot of talk and not too much action in the last 15 months or so, and the people of Bermuda are waiting for promised progress. I would suggest that they give these plans laid out by the former PLP Government some consideration, because indeed they appear worth implementing.

WAITING FOR PROMISED PROGRESS