After reading multiple comments about the accident involving the seven-year-old child on the Agricola Public Road, and the resultant assault on the driver of the vehicle involved, and the subsequent verbal mauling of the aunt who was allegedly accompanying the child I am left in dismay.
PLEASE, PLEASE. We need more civility in our society. Civility in deciding what images and commentary we post. Civility in our discussions. Civility in sharing the roadways and in every other aspect of society.
Civility is a result of becoming civilized, therefore the opposite is being uncivilized. Becoming civilized is normally an evolutionary process, therefore being uncivilized can be derived as a cessation in evolution.
I am sure that Guyanese have not ceased to evolve because when we venture into the world outside of Guyana we naturally fit in without much difficulty. Therefore, it is either a willingness to disrespect our own country and fellow citizens, or we have more respect for those who are not Guyanese or a combination of both.
Even if the driver or aunt of the child is guilty of negligence or recklessness, we must be mindful of dishing out mob justice. We must let the lawful course and investigation proceed and allow the judicial process to work for everyone concerned.
I have traveled that particular road in Guyana and pedestrians, animals and vehicular traffic operate in very close proximity of each other. Those who have experienced walking with children know that within the blink of an eye they can get into trouble, even with the most diligent of us. Therefore, again, please be mindful of disparaging the aunt who was allegedly in the company of the child.
The driver of the truck should not have been the victim of vigilante justice, that is a reaction of a society that has lost its way, and I know that Guyanese are better than that.
The government of Guyana has attempted to create a safer environment for pedestrians with the installation of pedestrian crossings, and overhead pedestrian walkways but it is no silver bullet that will eliminate pedestrian deaths. It is up to each and every one of us to do our part, to teach our children, be extremely cautious, civil, diligent and observant of the laws and each other. In so doing we can minimize accidents that harm others, especially our young people and damage or destroy property. All of these qualities demonstrate that we are evolving in a positive direction.
My sincere condolences to the family of the child, may her soul rest in eternal peace. I pray for the speedy recovery of the driver of the truck.
Remain safe my fellow humans. Our children are our future.
