Back and Next - Back and NextTo forget is not a crime; could be negligence
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Editor,
As I watched the program ‘Loki Fok’, on GRTS, last Saturday, 20th December, organised by the GRTS in collaboration with the Gambia Police Force, on the issue of fastening of seat belts when driving, I could not put forward my contributions because I had no phone at the time.
This is a matter of concern to all because it is in the interest of all. ‘Protect your life,’ is the best advice one can give and certainly no one will refuse it. But the penalty put against it in case of breaking the law is to me somehow exorbitant - a thousand Dalasis and above to be paid on the spot there and then, otherwise vehicle impounded and matter taken to court.
How many people carry a thousand Dalasis on when going out? How many taxi drivers make a thousand Dalasis a day?
To kill is a crime to steal is a crime. To destroy people’s property is a crime. But to forget to protect one’s own life is sheer negligence and not a crime. Frequent reminder by the police will by and large make the people cultivate the habit.
Our able and kind president has always said it and he has always manifested it. His concern is to make life easy for his people. But this new aura, introduced by the lawmakers if enforced will be contradictory his philosophy. What doctor will give a blow in the face to his patient and break one of his teeth because he forgot to take his medicine and then tell him he will do the same thing to him if he forgets again.
A good doctor will keep on reminding his patient to take his medicine and insist on its importance to his quick recovery. In the name of all those whom it may concern and in my own name, I appeal to those responsible to reduce the thousand Dalasis penalty to an amount that is affordable to those who will fall victim to the laws.
As I watched the program ‘Loki Fok’, on GRTS, last Saturday, 20th December, organised by the GRTS in collaboration with the Gambia Police Force, on the issue of fastening of seat belts when driving, I could not put forward my contributions because I had no phone at the time.
This is a matter of concern to all because it is in the interest of all. ‘Protect your life,’ is the best advice one can give and certainly no one will refuse it. But the penalty put against it in case of breaking the law is to me somehow exorbitant - a thousand Dalasis and above to be paid on the spot there and then, otherwise vehicle impounded and matter taken to court.
How many people carry a thousand Dalasis on when going out? How many taxi drivers make a thousand Dalasis a day?
To kill is a crime to steal is a crime. To destroy people’s property is a crime. But to forget to protect one’s own life is sheer negligence and not a crime. Frequent reminder by the police will by and large make the people cultivate the habit.
Our able and kind president has always said it and he has always manifested it. His concern is to make life easy for his people. But this new aura, introduced by the lawmakers if enforced will be contradictory his philosophy. What doctor will give a blow in the face to his patient and break one of his teeth because he forgot to take his medicine and then tell him he will do the same thing to him if he forgets again.
A good doctor will keep on reminding his patient to take his medicine and insist on its importance to his quick recovery. In the name of all those whom it may concern and in my own name, I appeal to those responsible to reduce the thousand Dalasis penalty to an amount that is affordable to those who will fall victim to the laws.
Author: by Abba Faal Brikama
See Also - See Also