JUTC is not heartless
Published:Monday | June 22, 2020 | 12:05 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
I read the Sunday Gleaner article on June 14, titled ‘Rough road to restitution – children of vendor mowed down by JUTC bus struggling to move on; no assistance from company’ , with great sadness and trepidation. The very emotive piece would have the public believe that the management and staff of the bus company are heartless and cold, and have yet to communicate with the family after one of its buses fatally struck a vendor on April 22, 2020. Please, therefore, allow me to say a few words to the family of Eletia Brown.
Coping with the loss of someone, and especially a parent, is one of life’s biggest challenges. The loss of Ms Brown and in the manner it happened must be painful. We cannot put into words all the emotions you are going through, which requires time for healing. Grieving is a process that cannot be rushed, and we are acutely aware of the ebb and flow of this period. We take this opportunity to assure her surviving loved ones that while we continue the discussions, we are here for you and continue to pray for your strength as we offer again our condolences.
We wish to note that the JUTC has been in dialogue with relatives of the deceased since the time of the incident. A meeting was held on May 13 at our corporate office with a member of our senior management, involving the family’s legal representative, her son Carl Robinson, and the deceased’s father. There have also been telephone conversations with Mr Robinson, these being on June 11 and 12.
Given the impact of COVID-19 on all of our lives, we were mindful that this would be a difficult time for the survivors and their general well-being. A decision was taken to present the family with a substantial care package, which was delivered to Mr Robinson and his relatives on May 20. We did not wish to disseminate this information as we felt it important to preserve the dignity of the family.
Currently, additional compassionate assistance is in process to assist the family, and we are working with our legal department and stakeholders assiduously to bring the matter to a speedy resolution.
All accidents are investigated and we are guided by those considerations in determining liability.
CECIL THOMS
Corporate Communications Manager
Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited