Vulnerable aged, vulnerable young

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I AM surprised that school has reopened and the very elderly gentleman on Marescaux Road (between Connolley Avenue and Regent Street) continues to perform a most inadequate job - that of monitoring children who use the pedestrian crossing.

It is heartening that at his age he is making a contribution to national development, given the many idle hands in our country. What we cannot afford, however, is a tragic occurrence arising from his apparent lack of mental acuity and alertness.

Still a potential danger

It is not unusual for some of us (motorists) to signal to the children to go across the pedestrian crossing long before this elderly gentleman realises what is happening. As helpful as this is, the potential danger is no less. We must try to eliminate the reactive mode. If an accident were to occur, there would likely be an instant review of the criteria for selecting persons to monitor children across pedestrian crossing. No doubt the first criterion for review would be the age limit.

There is always potential in the aged. From my experience, and no doubt yours, senior citizens like to feel useful. They want to do tasks no matter what the body and the brain are saying. However, this senior citizen should not be tasked with the responsibility of the most vulnerable. It may be necessary to provide an alternative for him to earn a living. Whatever is necessary must be done expeditiously. In a society where so many negative things are happening to our children, the least we desire is to have the most vulnerable taking care of the most vulnerable in this way.

Emphasis on road safety is important. Of immense importance are those persons entrusted with the lives of our children as they go across the pedestrian crossing.

While I express concern about this elderly gentleman, let me also express admiration for another who monitors the pedestrian crossing at St Hugh's High School. Here is a gentleman who likes and enjoys his job, organises the children and is most courteous and alert.

Road safety is everybody's business. The proactive mode has always worked.

I am, etc.,

INA HUNTER

inaroseh@yahoo.com

Portmore, St. Catherine