Crime, Time To Act - Vernon Derby

CRIME – NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION

BY Vernon Derby

Email: ayswithvernon@hotmail.com

Kingston: May 2, 2016.

We need a National Anti-Crime & Anti-Indiscipline Commission headed by a Commissioner comprising of at least 11 persons. This Commission should be properly funded so that it can engage researchers to carry out research into crime and indiscipline. This Commission should be able to initiate the evaluation of and make recommendation for improving the performance of the following agencies:

·        All institutions responsible for training and the socialization and education of our people.

·        Institution responsible for investigating all forms of indiscipline and crime.

·        All institutions responsible for the administration of justice.

This Commission would also be responsible for evaluating our laws and working to ensure that our laws are made more effective to deal with the problem of indiscipline and crime.

The Commission will report to the public and to the parliament. It will function until parliament decides by a simple majority to dissolve this commission.

The Commission will assess the performance of leaders in the various areas which have a role to play in reducing crime  and indiscipline and recommend if these leaders appointments should be revoked.

Please let me have your comment about these suggestions.

A Fi Wi Concern 20160424 - Michael Spence

That Explosive Material

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) says a team of soldiers and police personnel discovered a tube of C4 plastic explosive and a home-made shotgun during an operation in the gritty community of Trench Town, Kingston and not Tivoli. Did they really find C4,C-4 or 4C , can we trust this news this time or is another duppy show piece? Anyway, police, army don’t be daunted just do your work. This is a serious find if it really is and needs deeper investigation because regular criminals do not need C4, if so for what purpose and more importantly the target? A pound of C4 can blow open a cheaper metal safe, a hole in a concrete wall or blow off a metal door. C-4 is a very powerful military explosive with a detonation rate of over 8,000 meters/sec Where did it come from/who made it and what was the weight of the find? 22/04/16

Minister Ruel Reid

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator Ruel Reid, is appealing to parents not to choose entertainment over the care and protection of their children.Hope those who put hair, nails, clothes, rum, ganja and dancehall first read this or go learn to read if they cannot read this. 22/04/16

Venezuela A Economic Challenges

Recession-hit Venezuela will turn off the electricity supply in its 10 most populous states for four hours a day for 40 days to deal with a severe power shortage, the government said Thursday.These socialist experiments in side of capitalism seem to have negative impacts many years later. I wish the Venezuelan people will soon get it right in fact they are our friends and willing to help where we can. Do you know that Simon Bolivar lived at a house now a Chinese clothing wholesale at the corner of Princess and Tower Street going towards the sea on the right. This house should have been preserved under the heritage trust its demolition was a mistake. I had nothing to do with that but I apologize to the Venezuelan and Jamaican people.22/04/16

Abuse of Children

What, so many as 900 children sexually abused in Trinidad, is there a Caricom registry? Thought Trinidad was a society free of crime and immorality so to maintain their purification Jamaicans not allowed so they sending them home as they arrive. All the best Trinidad and your exclusive bad minded bacchanal immigration policies.

Treat the youths right
Instead of putting up a fight
Treat the youths right
Or you'll been playin' with dynamite

When you go and look for a job
There is someone givin' you a fight
Like they want you to go and rob
and we know that that's not right

Lyrics from a song penned by Jimmy Cliff should become the Caricom anthem. 22/04/16

 SSP Steve McGregor

A“directive from Senior Superintendent of Police Steve McGregor to implement a 9 p.m. curfew for students in St James". This seems to be mild collective punishment for now, net fishing and a demonstration of shortcut policing. So why not just install some Dons who seem to have a good idea how to police things and embrace fully positive criminality like what happens many times in Kingston. The challenge is Kingston and St James is different places and types of people. .So what is the penalty for being on the road one minute after 9:00pm.By the way who is in charge of national security Superintendent of Police Steve McGregor or Minister Montague. My advice to McGregor is to get the advice and support from experienced sociologists like Dr Harriot with experience in criminology as you are dealing with people not all criminals and I would not like to see a bad situation made worse.22/04/16

Michael spence

Fi Wi Concerns 20160418 - Michael Spence

GCT

According to news reports Jamaicans could see an increase in general consumption tax (GCT) and or be required to pay taxes on items now zero rated as the Andrew Holness administration projects to collect $16 billion more in GCT for the new financial year. Regarding the General Consumption Tax (GCT) now at 16.5 %, I hope will be lowered to a round figure like 10% easy to calculate then put it on all things in sight exempting only books just to keep education and that dying industry alive. If there is concern about the politics of poverty and love for the poor just sell the idea as a partner plan where every citizen should contribute to this partner and you get your draw when your child goes to school, when you call the police, when you drive or walk on the road or when you access any services is provided by from your GCT and other tax dollar. I guarantee you would collect more GCT due to increased buying, selling and production. As a matter of common sense dictates that every cent of that tax forgone from that $1.5 million threshold would be back in government coffers faster than you can think because more money in circulation mean more GCT everybody happy. I would like to hear from an actuary or actuaries out there to provide some kind of enlightenment us on this matter. We do not need to hear any more arguments from partisan people or book bright Tax and Borrow Economists.15/04/16

Slow Learners

There are persons in the society who want Government to put an end to streaming, a process wherein students are placed in a class based on their 'presumed' capabilities. Slow learners in a class tend to slow down the progress of fast learners and make life harder for a teacher to accomplish the relevant curricula, so what do you do? Put speed bumps on the highway to slow down the faster cars so that the slow cars look like they are up to par? No, you fix up the slow cars that they can keep up with the pace. In the case of students if they are streamed special arrangements can be made with special teachers who would target the challenges fix that then when they are up to par transferred appropriately.15/04/16

Those Murders

Last year 2015 the number of murders recorded by the police stood at 1,207, which was 202, more than the 1,005 reported the previous year. What is the figure for those missing because criminals are very creative getting rid of bodies without a trace. For example are the St Ann’s Bay police still trying to locate a family of four who went missing since November 2015 after their house was destroyed by fire? Fifty-seven-year-old Joseph Lynch, 43-year-old Lascelle Lynch, 50-year-old Ruth Lawrence, and seven-year-old Rimeka Haynes, all of Authurs Mount, Lime Hall, St Ann. recommend that the numbers of missing annually must be published alongside the murder figures to give a more holistic view.14/04/16

It’s a long time the tables have not turned where it is the criminal/duppy running and hiding even in a church perhaps looking for Divine intervention. The intensity must be sustained where decent people are not running, hiding, traumatized and cowering in fear. We must stop pet and powder criminals in Jamaica we must bring them in or bring them down from Morant point to Negril point.14/04/16

Mr. Bunting? 

Did Former National Security Minister Peter Bunting exceed his authority when he issued a certificate in January this year that shielded members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) from prosecution for the use of mortars in Tivoli during the May 2010 operation.  Is this form of demonstrating government against justice, the people and the constitution? What a pity as he hopes to be Prime Minister one day the top man is that an example of top behaviour? Well Mr.  Do you recall the second state of emergency in Jamaica's history June 20,1976 to end of February 1977 or Green Bay atrocities in January 1978 where 10 men promised jobs were lured to that area of Helshire 5 of them shot dead by our/their own Jamaica Defence Force soldiers. It is possible that some of those architects are even revered today. Could it be that what Mr. Bunting has done is mild in comparison and is on his way to be revered one day? 13/04/16

That Coconut Oil 

Amazing isn’t it? The once vilified COCONUT OIL is now taking centre stage in helping with Alzheimer's disease also called brain diabetes, dementia and general improvement in brain function. Guess what there is now difficulty getting adequate supplies of coconut oil at a reasonable price and it could get worse as global demand increases. I stick with boiled oil as this is the old tradition don't know what the scientists are saying about that one. COCONUT OIL has a specific smell but I notice some in retail establishments have no smell for me that's not it. Check IT. 12/04/16

I sympathize with both sides of this story and needs immediate intervention as the environment and the law has to be taken seriously. In all of this though it is Jamaica that is suffering in all of this losing and have lost millions of hard currency and if we recall that society is a whole individuals ,families, communities and the attendant problems that arise like crime and other social ills. Therein lay the problems. 09/04/16

King Sugar Dethroned?

One challenge in saving King Sugar from being totally dethroned is that most drinks, ice cream, pharmaceuticals and pastry on the market use sweeteners to keep down prices so we consume them unknowingly. Let us say therefore we do not knowingly consume artificial sweeteners and what the package says I know does not lie in many cases that sugar added but many use a blend. The ones that are very clear are the very sweet items that say "no sugar added" they may as well say "artificial sweeteners added" but that would not be creative marketing. To save oneself a little self help is good make your own daily drinks from in season fruits /vegetables and travel with them in a small cooler save money and save your health.09/04/16

Michael Spence 

        

Support Vernon Derby To Support The People

Satisfying Year Helping Others

Last year was another year that I was able to use my time and talent to assist others. In helping others I found out that I was helping myself also. I have my own problems but when I see the other problems others are facing I gave thanks my small ones. I used the social pages, radio and other media to help many who are having challenges. Sometimes I wonder how much more I could have achieved if I had funding and the support of more persons. One supporter has suggested that I set up a Foundation which could assist to cover the cost of helping others.

Over 5000 Emails and Text Messages Last Year

In 2015, approximately 5000 text messages, emails, and numerous calls were dealt with in helping others. The messages kept coming even during the Christmas holidays.

During an outside broadcast with my producer Antoinette Shakespeare-Dubidad.

Organizations Benefited

Many organizations worked with me to deal with some dificult challenges that they were facing. I also assisted them in achieving some of their objectives.

Lady Prevented From Committing Suicide

There are numerous others things that I have been able to deal with such as assisting to organize persons to get their roads fixed, getting broken NWC mains fixed, getting street lights replaced and making contact with MPs to have them give us information about the challenges in their constituencies.

One lady told me that because of something that I highighted,, she had her busband check with the doctor and that action probably saved his life. I can't forget that lady who text me and told me that she was feeling depressed and that she was about to commit suicide. With the help of the police and persons from Bellview that suicide was prevented.

Guest Speaker at a Lions Club meeting.

Helping Workers

I have been able to assist workers who were having challenges with management and I believe that my intervention helped to prevent unrest at these work places.

Bullying

There are the sad stories of for example, the child who was constantly being bullied at school and his problems being ignored by the teachers and administration at the school. I worked hard to get him transfered to another school and he is now doing better.

The Influence Is Growing

One person said to me that she threated a business man that she was going to report a matter to me and the business man had the matter resolved immediately.

We really need to have a powerful organization which can stand up and defend citizens and consumers. My supporters have suggested that now is the time that form that organization. Your help and support will be needed.

I also felt honoured when I was asked by Cabinet Office to act as a Judge for the Public Sector Customer Service Competition last year.

I Need Your Continued Support

You can give your support by inviting at least twenty of your friends to like my PAGE and also to join my group of supporters by clicking on SUPPORTERS.

All the best for 2016. I love you all. Walk Gook.

With Kelly Tomlin before heading to Goat Islant

With International Singer and former member of the backing group for Bob Marley , Marcia Griffits

American Ambassor Moreno.

Michael Penix on the left and Chief US Consular Officer Mike Shimmel on the right.

FI WI CONCERNS - Michael Spence

Passport Fiasco

The Passport Immigration and citizenship Agency (PICA) recently announced an increase in the price of a Jamaican Passport from$4500 to $6500 has resulted in arguments and counter arguments from many quarters ranging from reasonable to unreasonable and unconscionable and wicked has prompted many questions. Such as why  such a steep increase for a small book the price of which in any bookstore would not be more than $300 Jamaican dollars while a thick Oxford Pocket Dictionary has not yet reached $2000 dollars containing thousands of prints and also couldn’t the increase be a phased one to eliminate the shock and awe from such increases?

PICA the distributors/sellers of the Jamaican/ CARICOM passport would do well to answer the following questions publicly which may well justify the pricing:

Where are our passports manufactured and or printed, designed in part or whole local and or overseas?

Is the Jamaican passport a most reliable secure and trusted document that cannot be duplicated, copied hacked or cloned whether opened or closed or is it just an unjustifiably expensive little book with one’s name?

Is the document issued unique to that person and what are the features that make it so for example does it have a unique chip or chips embedded within containing one’s details that require special keys/code to access this information and who has it?

What level of security, responsibility is there regarding transport, storage/safekeeping of security features?

What would be the process for a Jamaican citizen requesting a Jamaican passport meaning marked only Jamaica not CARICOM and would the cost of production be less than Jamaican $6500.

Have there been an audit and an assessment of the aims, objectives role and functions of PICA since it has been operating.

May I suggest that elaborative, transparent and demonstrative answers to these questions by PICA may well be able to justify to the citizenry present increases now being questioned by many? PICA should demonstrate why such a high cost for this essential little Jamaican book the passport also a book of hope and progress.28/05/15

Windsor Heights – St. Catherine

Occupiers of 1,250 lots in Windsor Heights, St Catherine, now face eviction from the properties many of them have called home for years. The property, which is owned by the ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, is approximately 280 acres comprising of approximately 1,500 lots. Give the people the land all of which is crown/capture land all around to the descendants of slaves making up the 60% squatter population. In the same way that the Chinese can get more than 1200 acres of land why Jamaicans cannot get 280 acres? Or at worst make their payments be reasonable property taxes on the said lands for the period of occupation. Jamaicans must not buy into the oppressive ideas that all governments try to sell us and keep us down to the benefit of others.25/05/15

  

Michael Spence

Cricketer Richard Austin Dies

FI WI CONCERNS 2015

Richard Austin dies,a great Jamaican cricketer who was punished for participating in the Kerry Packer cricket tour of South Africa in 1982-83 during the apartheid regime. In recent times he was a fixture in the Cross Roads area of Half Way Tree Road apparently he was not bed ridden for anytime because I am sure I saw him doing his rounds. I often wondered what could have been done to assist him out of his social, mental and economic difficulties. I think it all started when he was banned from doing his job of playing cricket by the Michael Manley government after that tour to South Africa. Looking back I think the penalty was too harsh and politicians have no moral or ethical right to judge anyone. They the politicians  and Jamaica contributed the demise of Richard "Danny Germs" Austin RIP.11/02/15


Michael Spence

Information about Richard Austin.

UN ADOPTS INTERNATIONAL ALBINISM AWARNESS DAY, JUNE 13.

 UN announces International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD)  - June 13. The Ambassador for  the Federal Republic of Somalia ,  Yusuf Mohamed Ismail Bari Bari (r) led the resolution to mark IAAe which was also supported by Italy (l) . At centre is  Somalia's deputy permanent  representative minister- counselor, Awale Ali Kullane

 Jamaica's Multi Media Artist, Yrneh Gabon Brown (R) with the Federal Republic of Somalia  Ambassador,  Yusuf Mohamed Ismail Bari Bari. Ambassador Bari Bari led the UN resolution which led to the adoption of June 13 as International Albinism Awareness Day.

Jamaican multi-media artist Yrneh Gabon sharing with a young person with albino at the United Nations special session following the adoption of a resolution announcing the International Albinism awareness Day for June 13.  

UN ADOPTS INTERNATIONAL ALBINISM AWARNESS  DAY, JUNE 13..… much education needed says Jamaican artist, Yrneh ‘Gabon’ Brown.

The United Nations General assembly on Tuesday  (Nov 18)  adopted a  Resolution  titled “International Albinism Awareness Day”, to be observed June 13 each year.

The Resolution expresses concern at the attacks against persons with albinism, including women and children. It also calls for enhanced protection and promotion of all human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights, as a matter of priority of the international community.

Jamaica’s  multi-media artist, Yrneh Gabon, whose research and work on albinism is on display in  a six month exhibition under the theme, ‘Visibly Invisible’  at the Californian African-American Museum,  in Los Angeles, was invited to make a presentation at a special side sitting of the  UN committee. The UN resolution was led by the Federal Republic of Somalia  Ambassador,  Yusuf Mohamed Ismail Bari Bari.

 In his  presentation, Yrneh noted that although no one in his family was an albino, he was exposed to the suffering of  people with albinism  in Jamaica  from he was a child, as they would call them names like ‘Dundus’ and Vampires, not understanding the effects of the sun on their eyes and skin.  He made reference to Jamaica’s most known albino, entertainer King Yellowman, who is still scared from the abuse  with  which he was  treated  because he looked different . He said this inspired him to do a research on albinism which took him to Tanzania where albinos are being killed daily for their body parts used in the practice of witchcraft in that east African state .

Yrneh’s  support for research in the western world and in particular, the US, came from his mentor,  actress, and humanitarian – Dr C.C. Pounder,  who assisted him in raising funds to do a  two month  ethnographic study in Tanzania.

In undertaking his research,  Yrneh visited Jamaica  in 2013 to gather support for sponsorship and took  his proposal to CHASE funds,  an organization set up to fund the arts, sports, health and education projects in the island . He wanted to include a segment on  educating the Caribbean region on the need for change of attitude towards albinos.

‘ We were actually chased out of the room after even being told  at first that  only one of the two of us could be accommodated in the  meeting. When we managed to impress upon them that we both needed to be in the meeting, we were told to hasten the presentation as the head person there had other assignments. This just confirmed to me that there is a serious need for education at all levels’, he noted. ‘ Even though Yellowman has helped through music to change the way people treat albinos, we still have a far way to go because even at that high level, the CHASE CEO , did not see the importance of this research’.

Not deterred, Yrneh returned to the US with the information  he could gather with his limited resources and through support from his mentor, was successful in putting together a  body of work that includes paintings, sculptures and sound bites  for the exhibition that runs until March 2015. He plans to take it on tour throughout the USA and Africa.

‘There is still a problem with how people with albinism are seen so we need to re-educate. For me as an artist I have to use my work to educate people. I am so thrilled that a day has been  declared to include people with albinism ,  to see them as our brother, our sister,   and not  as  outsiders to  be excluded but treated with respect like any other human being’, Yrneh concluded.

See the UN site.

The Carnage On Our Roads!!!

LETTER TO AYS FROM A LISTENER

The Carnage

Similar to many persons, I too am very concerned about the level of carnage on our roads. This concern has been markedly increased with recent reports of twenty traffic fatalities in a seven day period.

Having observed the blatant disregard for and apparent ignorance of our road traffic laws along with the driving habits and practises of a significant number of our road users deteriorate steadily over the years, and being fully cognisant of each road users responsibility for their own safety, I place the blame squarely at the feet of our policy makers as well as the Police.

 

Producing License

The absolutely ludicrous situation which allows a driver five days to produce his/her drivers license must change. How many drivers with suspended licenses have slipped through this loop-hole, not to mention criminals.I certainly wish that someone could give a logical explanation as to why the road traffic laws were not amended a few years ago when this change was first attempted. Wouldn't the benefits of making it mandatory for drivers to be in possession their drivers license once they are operating a motor vehicle far outweigh any possible negative results. This is one instance, if it were not libelous, that I would say our law makers support criminality.

 

Recommendations

A significant part of the insanity which takes place on our roads daily has to do with how individuals are trained and subsequently obtain a drivers license. I recommend:

• The introduction of a "Driving Instructors Training Program" at Heart Trust-N.T.A. 
• Driving Instructors so accredited, as well as persons trained by them could be offered some incentives.  Insurance company's could offer special rates to clients trained by Driving Instructors with such a certificate.
• A system of having persons whose license have been suspended, be retrained by a certified Driving Instructor before being reinstated would be beneficial.
• Individuals with multiple license suspensions must be retested by an I.T.A. officer so accredited.
• There is need for a comprehensive review of the criteria to obtain a P.P.V license. When one observes the actions and behavior of public passenger vehicle operators, it is obvious that the caliber and training of persons wishing to be so certified is in need of a thorough review. Any such review must include persons desirous of becoming conductors.   
• We should seriously look at conducting periodic drug tests on all Commercial and PPV License holders.   
• There will have to be a significant increase in attempts to educate pedestrians on the proper use of the roads by utilizing not just the media but through the hands-on day-to-day interaction of specially trained police personnel. Utilizing the Safe Schools Program, our school children must be educated on the safe and proper use of the roads. 
• The practice of Commuters standing anywhere to wait on public transportation must stop.
• The dangerous practice of pedestrians crossing the roadway anywhere and at anytime, regardless of how close they are to a pedestrian crossing is cause for concern.
• By way of policy, a comprehensive and sustained road safety campaign must be introduced in our schools and work places.

 

Areas Of Focus

Whose idea is it to have the Police focus mainly on speeding at the same locations island wide year after year? What about the numerous other infractions which occur constantly?

What about overtaking at an unbroken white line? This seems to be par for the course along certain thorough fares. As it relates to parking illegally Downtown and in the New Kingston area, the K.S.A.Cseems to have things under control while adding to their coffers at the same time. If central government would follow this lead, wouldn't that add to the consolidated fund while placing more of the burden on those of us who transgress rather than law abiding citizens in the form of increased taxes.

I must stress that I am quite ignorant of all that the police does to improve road safety and driver compliance, but there seems to be a serious lack of police presence at many major intersections. What about an ad hock rotation of the monitoring of these locations. Wouldn't the utilization of unmarked police vehicles as well as plain clothed officers help.Traffic policing seems to lack innovativeness, forward planning and the requisite legislative support.

       

For example in the Liguanea/Kingston 6 area, I couldn't tell the last time I have seen a traffic cop on duty. As a result, every morning there is a grid-lock at Hope Road and Richings Avenue, not to mention the one at Liguanea Avenue. This is caused by drivers proceeding into the middle of the intersection before the vehicle ahead has moved forward enough for them to clear the intersection before the light changes. Isn't it an offence to block an intersection? Oh! did I mention those drivers turning right who believe that they have the right-of-way.

   

Taxis and other public passenger vehicles, including J.U.T.C buses stop to pick-up and set-down passengers anywhere, especially at Souvreign Centre heading east and at Liguanea Plaza heading west, causing increased and unnecessary traffic congestion.

The practise of many taxi operators to proceed straight after positioning their cars in the turn lane has become common place all over the city. 

The practise of stopping at a pedestrian crossing when the light is on green is dangerous and counterproductive. It is nothing short of a miracle that there has not been several serious accidents at the three 4-way intersections along Seymour Avenue. I am totally convinced that most drivers are not aware of how to use a 4-way intersection. 

Is no one aware of the excessive speeding by taxi drivers between Half Way Tree and Papine? There might very well be a severe shortage of speed monitoring devices, but the police must devise other innovative ways of impressing on persons the need to operate their motor vehicle in a safe manner.

Traffic Lights

The amber(yellow) light no longer means to stop if it is safe to do so, it means to go faster. In fact, you stand a high probability of being rear-ended if you stop when the light changes to amber. Now when it changes to red that is a totally different ball game. The red light means to follow every vehicle ahead of you that went through regardless of how long the light is on red. 

 

I am yet to see, on a regular and sustained basis, Police personnel who are not assigned to traffic duties, intervene in traffic related matters and more importantly,prosecute infractions. It cannot be a case of "I am not doing traffic duties or my current assignment is so important, I am unable to intervene". Until the aforementioned situation is addressed, I wouldn't even think of expecting an off-duty officer intervening in a traffic related matter in the same way that he or she would in a gun or other serious crime. Is it that there is no benefit to be derived as it relates to promotion? 

Police Not Attentive Enough

It is absolutely amazing to observe some of the blatant traffic infractions of which officers doing foot patrol seem to be completely oblivious, or couldn't care less. I appreciate the fact that policing can be quite difficult, but our Police officers must be taught to multi-function. Again, I make no claims of knowing all that the police is doing to deal with the indiscipline on our roads but much more must be done if things are to improve. 

The situation as it relates to discipline and the observance of all our road traffic laws has deteriorated to such a level that I seriously wonder if we haven't passed the point of no return. As many as two or more generations, including police officers know nothing but the chaos and indiscipline which takes place on our roads. Yes, even police officers regularly indulge in these bad practices.

When one observes the condition of many police service units, one wanders if what is good for the goose, isn't it good for the gander? I am fully aware of the extremely tight fiscal space within which we operate, so as a means on leveling the playing field, couldn't persons found operating a defective vehicle, once their drivers license is relatively "clean" be issued with a ticket which would not attract a monetary fine but require them to have the problem corrected in a specified time period. After which the nearest I.T.A. facility would verify that the requisite repairs were undertaken.   

We Stop And Park Anywhere

It has become quite normal to stop, park, reverse or make u-turns anywhere.

Failure to use turn signals and ensure that it is safe to do so before pulling back into traffic is a regular occurrence. Most drivers are unaware that it is illegal to have their headlights on while parked on the opposite side of a roadway. Are todays drivers aware that one is required to dim their headlights when approaching another vehicle in both directions? 

Education

I believe that with increased public education and ample warnings, in addition to fostering a culture of discipline and decency on our roads, the authorities could extract significantly more "contributions to national development" by way of increased citations for these seemingly minor offences.

Who Cares?

These infractions occur daily with impunity and one gets the feeling that no one really cares. If there is some kind of 'glitch' in the system, then it behoves those in authority to fix the problem, be it policy or operational. Things cannot continue like this!

Speeding is just the culmination of the wide spread indiscipline taking place on our roads and society in general.  

 

However, quite frankly, I have very little confidence that our system fraught with inefficiency and corruption will ensure that  persons are held accountable for their actions. 

 

I recommend that all motor cycles operate with "day-time running lights". This will significantly increase their visibility thereby reducing the possibility of inadvertent collisions.

The authorities should also look into the possibility of all vehicles being so equipped in the not too distant future.

Our Canadian and Scandinavian friends are experts when it comes to road safety and I believe that we can learn a thing or two from them. 

 

Finally, how does someone with multiple traffic tickets be allowed to continue driving? Why are they allowed to renew their drivers license, insurance or register a motor vehicle?

Obviously the solution is not rocket science, it seems to be more a lack of political will. 

We now have tablets in schools, and this is good, but how about equipping the police so as to allow them to be more pro-active in their daily activities.

Let me take this opportunity to persuade the police to be much more vigilant and use every legal means at their disposal to impress on our drivers the need to operate their motor vehicle in a safe manner, within the law, until our policy makers and to a lesser extent, the high command, take the necessary steps to do what is needed to implement meaningful and sustained improvements in the use of our roadways.  

 

Things can be much better. It seems as if the persons with the power to implement meaningful and positive changes have a vested interest in maintaining the status-quo. On the other hand, why do we the citizens allow things to continue in this way?