Dear Editor,
I read the letter penned by Mr Mortimer Mingo, Regional Chairman of RDC10 and concurred with the sentiments expressed therein (‘Roadway signs in Linden removed without knowledge of local government’ SN, 5.8.09). I heard of the comments in response to our concerns about the removal of the sign and billboards by Minister Benn, which in summary said that he had forgotten to inform the community’s leaders of the actions and that the signboards threatened road safety.
I accept his memory lapse, as memory lapses are common, even though he has not seen it fit to call and let us know that he had forgotten to inform us. He should be reminded that old people seh “do suh na like suh.”
On the point of road safety, Minister Benn must be the only individual who saw those signboards as an impediment to road safety. I say unreservedly that those signs were never a threat, but rather served as aids to road safety. First, the signboards were all within a one-mile stretch at the Millie’s Junction on the left-hand side of the carriageway leading into Linden. Second, the Millie’s turn is at a ninety degree angle, and so all are expected to slow down to make the turn. Third, the signs were all high and at least ten feet from the edge of the road with just naked forest behind them; there was therefore no question of a threat to visibility. Fourth, the boards were also brightly coloured, with some having reflective (phosphorescent) paint to help visibility at nights. One will note that the highway is not lit, and entering Linden at that ninety-degree angle does require a bit of help. These signs did help. Fifth, recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs reduced the speed limit between the Millie’s turn and Kara-Kara to forty miles per hour from sixty. How then can these signs be deemed as traffic hazards?
It would be useful to point out that there were traffic signs pointing the way to Linden, as many might have continued into the jungle and not made the right turn.
There was a signboard which showed our Olympic star Marian Burnett in full stride. We took pride in being reminded about her humble beginnings and her move to international stardom. We took pride in the fact that civic organisations were able to place their messages on the roadways as reminders of the noble work they are doing. Around 1988, as a member of the Jaycees, we erected some greenheart signposts (between Silver Hill and Amelia’s Ward) and painted them along with others already in existence, to help visibility at night. We also erected a sign welcoming visitors to Linden. Signboards and billboards are not new here, and have never been seen as a traffic hazard until now.
I have not spoken to one person yet who felt that the signboards were hindering the traffic. However, there is one man who is a compass by which you can gauge what is coming next from the centre for the community. He was making noises about the PNC billboard which has been up since 2006, and he wanted it down. This structure was nestled among thirty others.
I could not find a reason for taking down the signboards and wondered whether it was this ‘black sheep’ in their midst which led to these actions. But that logic is still baffling, because the ‘Grow more food,’ road safety and breastfeeding signboards were taken down and these are supported by government agencies. I noted that the ‘Grow more food’ signboard at the Soesdyke turn-off onto the L/S highway is closer to the traffic than the one in Linden was, yet that one is still up.
Something is not right and we have not had answers that help us understand the decision. The business community which placed those signs were not informed of the action and they asked why we took them down. Even as we contemplate the contempt for local leaders it is troubling when businesses such as DDL, BANKS DIH, DIGICEL, GT&T, BEHARRY’s, et al, who have all made sterling contributions to this economy are being treated in this manner. From reports the Minister indicated that the businesses were notified. On speaking with some of them they were miffed at that. However, I have a right to deal with this matter which shows contempt for me when I did not invite that upon myself.
Yours faithfully,
Orrin Gordon
