Extremely sad day – Learning from it!

Tue Jan 14, 2013

Editor: It was was really a heartbreaking sight last Saturday in Rose Bank to see four coffins being put in holes in the Dark View cemetery, all members of ONE family. Uncontrollable tears flowed from members, friends, and well-wishers of the Nanton family. They will truly be MISSED a whole lot! Hearty thanks to all who supported surviving family members in their moment of grief. Upon reflection, I do wish that the entire nation may learn from this grievous incident. It has happened and we cannot turn it back.{{more}}

Those of us who live in the Leeward area may ask: is it possible that the landslide could have been avoided? MAYBE; MAYBE not. Some have actually asked this because during each dry season, the mountainside from which the landslide came was habitually set on fire, something that we have been warned against doing each year by the Forestry Department. It is well known that consistent fires can loosen soil on mountainsides, making them more prone to erosion/landslides. That’s a solid FACT! With the Honourable Prime Minister’s full support, I think that the Forestry Division should enact tougher penalties on those who are guilty of setting illegal fires in the dry season, since it seems that many are not learning despite continuous warnings.

Further, houses built on hillsides should have very strong foundations, since they can be more prone to landslides possibly knocking them off their foundations. Maybe their foundations should be deeper and reinforced with more steel than usual. Anyone building a house should try to MAKE SURE that the builders do a good job of strengthening the foundation, since it’s your money and safety that is involved. Seek the advice of knowledgeable persons in the field of construction. DO NOT be afraid to do so.

Your life and that of others may be at stake! To all road users: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, constantly be on the lookout when passing Dark View, White Rock (the high, rocky, mountainous area on the right just before entering Petit Bordel), Belle Isle, and any other dangerous mountainous area in the country. PLEASE do, for it can mean your life!

On the Watch!