Dear Editor,
I would like to express my deepest condolences tos Mr Basil DaSilva and Ms Ophelia James over the loss of their children who perished in the Aruka River two weeks ago. It was very disheartening to learn about such a big loss in a family.
Now in Region One most of these accidents go unsolved. I want to believe that there should be more stringent observation on these rivers. My mother used to say that the river has no back door. I am aware that many river accidents occur in our region and nothing comes out of them.
I do not know if it is because of poor investigations or inexperienced investigators. At the end of it all the families of victims feel it more. The perpetrators are never brought to justice.
These matters should be properly investigated and statements sent to the Director of Public Prosecution. If the evidence is inadequate they can ask the investigators to look into certain areas of the matter.
A couple of months ago a friend of mine lost his life in a river accident, but I cannot say what stage has been reached in that matter. I know about a young woman who lost her life when a passenger speedboat crashed into the bushes. All you hear is that a lot of money has been spent on the matter.
Travelling at night without proper lights can be disastrous. Many speedboat operators ply the rivers without the necessary documents and without proper preparation of their boats, which contribute to disasters.
I would like to see Mr Basil DaSilva and Ms Ophelia James get justice. Those who remember the past with a clear conscience need to have no fear of the future. I want to believe that there are those who are concealing evidence in relation to this accident. I am writing from a humanitarian point of view.
Yours faithfully,
Michael Hope
