Shadow Tourism Minister Zane DeSilva has criticised Public Works Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin over a barrier removed from a Southampton Tribe Road.

The family of Tiffanelle Pitcher-Francis had called for action after the ten-year-old died as a result of crashing into the barrier on her bicycle, but some area residents objected last week after Government removed the barrier.

A Government spokesman said the Ministry said an alternative solution will be installed when possible, but Mr DeSilva said: “Removing the barrier at Tribe Road Number One without putting in place a viable, safer substitute, is a tragedy waiting to happen.

“First the Ministry claimed the barrier couldn’t be removed because of the potential danger to pedestrians. Now we learn that under Minister Pamplin’s leadership, the position has changed, the barrier suddenly removed and vehicles are now speeding through the pedestrian area, putting more lives at risk.

“The initial issue wasn’t addressed until it hit the media and it appears the Minister will once again be dragged back into the office and away from her day job to react to more negative media coverage.

“This has become a pattern with Minister Pamplin as she has repeatedly been revealed to be out of touch with the workings of her Ministry and reacting to events rather than taking charge and initiating progress.”

He called on the Minister to focus on her role as Public Works Minister and have a safer alternative installed as a matter of urgency.