I am a graduate of the Old Bookers Apprentice Training Centre located at Port Mourant, Berbice. I am from the 1967 intake and graduated in 1972.
There was a constant repetitive statement used by every instructor at that institution which I and my colleagues are unlikely to ever forget, “Accidents don’t happen, they are caused.”
The fire at Mahdia which incinerated 20 children just did not happen, it was caused. The MV Barima catastrophe did not just happen, it was caused.
I hear talk of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) being set up and the finding is likely to lead to the discipline of some low level employee who could be easily sacrificed.
I would simply take the opportunity to highlight some of the probable reasons for these horrible incidents. This government, under the PPPC operates with an arrogance seldom seen in any democracy. The average citizen in this country is made to feel that his or her opinion does not count. People offering ideas, suggestions or advice are simply ignored or dismissed because the government knows it all. The individual may stand a chance if they are perceived to be a senior PPP party official or a known supporter of the PPPC. Any perceived member of the opposition is treated with absolute disregard.
That is why when these embarrassing accidents occur people don’t want to hear this foolish chatter about “we must all come together” or “let’s keep politics out of this.” These catastrophes just don’t happen, they are caused.
Another cause that I could mention is the level of corruption tolerated by the PPPC. There are few countries or governments that can be considered free of corruption, So, no one expects Guyana to be spotless but on the other hand Guyana must be described as one of the most corrupt, and this situation cannot be tolerated by any sane person.
If persons who were connected to the operational aspects of the ferry could make an extra dollar they would do so. They would take the chance because even if caught they would get away with it or just with a slight rap on the fingers.
Overloading was part of this corrupt practice only that this time, things fell apart. However, if two weeks ago someone had written about this to the Government no one would have taken any action.
A third cause of accidents is this Government’s propensity to cover up. Rather than fixing a problem the Government would rather spend four times the cost in trying to prove their infallibility. Most times when the Administration talks about investigations and enquiries it is an excuse for stalling and riding out the storm.
Finally, I must comment on traffic situation. These heavy sand trucks race along the roads at tremendous speeds. Numerous persons have written on this matter. Whenever one of the monsters kill some children or diplomats we should stand by to hear more stupid excuses and another Commission of Inquiry set up to buy time.
Aubrey Retemyer
