Dear Editor,
Mr. Bas De Haan is among multiple fatal accidents we have had on the Airport Road throughout the years, which is a clear indication that something needs to be done. How many lives need to be lost before the authorities implement safety systems such as speed bumps, pedestrian crossings and clear markings on the roads? Our lives matter and our safety matters!
It’s sad and disheartening that another young life is gone due to the recklessness and arrogance of another. How many lives need to be lost? Our lives matter and our safety matters! On June 17, 2016, I too had a bad car accident due to another young person’s recklessness and arrogance and what did the authorities do about it? Nothing!
Instead our authorities understanding the severity of the situation when it comes to reckless endangerment, they want to know who was right and who was wrong, but when a life is lost there is no right or wrong. It’s a life lost, it’s gone forever.
Mr. Bas De Hann left behind loved ones, his family, friends and students who loved and respected him. It is extremely unfortunate that here on this 37-square mile island we seem to have lost our sense of purpose, integrity and moral values. We have forgotten the meaning of righteousness, morality and worth. Every time someone dies in an accident we need to remember that that person’s life mattered, they left behind loved ones, they were loved, they were respected, they were a part of something bigger than themselves, which is called ‘Purpose,’ but most importantly we must remember that their life and safety mattered!
To our Government, Authorities and Law Makers, I pose the question once more: How many lives need to be lost before the proper safety systems are implemented on our roads? Enough is enough! We need speed bumps on the airport to eliminate these horrific accidents. We need pedestrian crossings and clear markings on all the roads so that motorists and cyclists remain on their side of the road.
Additionally, there should be a straight, BOLD marking along with signs indicating that there should be NO OVERTAKING on the Airport Road as failure to do so will invoke severe penalties. Furthermore, the reckless endangerment of others on the road should be viewed as a serious offense and should come with grave penalties such as imprisonment, heavy fines, and license being suspended or revoked so that these violations cease to exist.
Our island needs to wake up! We have been asleep for too long! Our lives are important, we deserve better because our lives and safety matters!
Mrs. Lise Coats-Flanders
On behalf of Car Rental Companies on Airport Road, St. Maarten
