The funny lines along Mandela Avenue

Dear Editor,

What a remarkable sight it is to see traffic lanes in Mandela Avenue properly demarcated allowing for a safer and regulated flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. It is ironic that just prior to the newly painted demarcations, Mandela Avenue was host to excessive reckless driving and incompetence that resulted in two of this year’s most fatal “smash-ups.”

Amazingly, minibuses and taxi drivers who just up to 3 weeks ago would not spare a thought to the consequences of their risky and illegal over and under-taking manoeuvres are miraculously today for the most part, adhering to the implicit regulations of the funny lines.

The newfound ease with which foot-soldiers and motorcyclists are traversing the major roadway and the improved behaviours and practices of vehicle drivers is an awe-inspiring thing of beauty and seems almost too good to be true.

The lesson here for those entrusted with policy-making responsibility for our nation’s development is the old maxim of “Prevention is better than cure.” This holds good across sectors, strategies and programmes.

Notwithstanding this, whilst Joe Public clearly understands that those spearheading the beautification campaign are primarily working for the interest of our country, it is also just as evident that they are less influenced by the cries, pleas and interests of the people of Guyana than by the influx of international visitors to our shores over the next two months. This is a sad message to communicate home and abroad for that matter. I sincerely hope that the funny lines along Mandela Avenue are properly maintained, lest they disappear and take with them the newfound sanctity, peace of mind, order and God-forbid the valued life of another Guyanese.

Yours faithfully,

Rawle Small