Berbice accident survivors unite in walkathon

…as 18 road deaths in Region 6 so far this year

So far this year, fifteen road deaths have been recorded in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the same as last year’s corresponding period.
Deputy Divisional Traffic Officer, Inspector Rodwell Downer disclosed the figures at a walk-a-ton orgainsed by Survivors United which is sub-committee of the National Road Safety Council.

Inspector Downer noted that in 2023, there were 21 serious accidents out of a total of 160 accidents reported in the region while for this year 19 serious accidents of the 79 accidents reported in the region thus far for the year.
Noting that it is a decrease of 51 percent, he said it is not something that the traffic department is proud of.
He pointed out that the traffic department has been conducting speeding exercises on a daily basis throughout the region.
For last year 1504 propose were taken before the courts driving above the prescribed speed limit. For this year that figure stands at 5478.
“That would show that because of the speeding exercises, we were able to have a decrease in accidents.”
Meanwhile, as it relates to persons driving under the influence of alcohol, the department has stepped its enforcement exercises both day and night. Lectures to school children and drivers are also a part of the campaign.
“Speeding and drinking and driving are the two main causes of accidents so we are encouraging you not to speed on the roadway and not to drive if you have been drinking,” the traffic officer explained.
The event was organised by Monix Hetemeyer who was hit by a car being driven by an unlicensed driver in February 2022. At the time she was having dinner and enjoying the comfort of open-air dining with a friend at a snackette in New Amsterdam.
The car ploughed into the table she was at and propelled her through the glass window and into the snackette.
She now uses a prosthetic leg after becoming an amputee as a result of the accident.
She noted that Survivors United which was formed last year, and supports survivors of vehicular accidents and their families.
“One of the things that have gotten me here today after my accident is support, support is very important. This committee is here to support survivors and to let them know that they are not in on their own; we are here to support them.”
She pointed out that the committee does not only provide financial support for survivors but also provides physical and memorial needs.
“Whatever it is that they need. This walk today (Sunday) is not just for awareness but it is also a fundraiser because we are raising funds to provide survivors and their families with hampers for Christmas,” she disclosed.
New Amsterdam’s Mayor Wainwright McIntosh who endorsed the initiative noted that it was the first of its kind within the township.
“This walk is a symbol of resilience, courage and community given the fact that we walk in support of our survivors it speaks to those three things,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cranston Fraser, who was involved in a horrific accident in December 2021, leaving him with a fractured skull and a spinal injury.
He pointed out that after the accident he lost all feeling from my neck down.
“After five to six months, I started to feel slight sensations in my body. Little by little, my toes began to move, then my fingers. These small improvements were huge victories for me. They restored my hope and gave me the motivation to keep fighting. I began listening to motivational speeches and stories and doing whatever I could to lift my spirits.”
“Fast forward to today—I’m able to sit up on my own and I can even stand for a period of time with support.”
Fraser said Survivors Unite has been a source of hope and inspiration for him.
“My journey has taught me that, no matter how difficult things get, we can always find a reason to keep going. To anyone facing tough times, remember that even the smallest step forward is a victory. Hold on to hope, believe in the possibility of change, and know that you are not alone,” he said. (G4)