BRSA president Sharmane Roland-Bowen resigns

President of the Barbados Road Safety Association (BRSA), Sharmane Roland-Bowen, has resigned from her post effective immediately.

Roland-Bowen made this announcement Sunday during a service for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, held at Covenant Life Teaching Centre, Green Hill, St Michael.

She explained that though she will no longer be President, it has been an honour for her to serve in the position for the past 14 years.

“Over all, it has been a privilege to help save lives on our roads, and create a safer environment for the roads in this country over the past 18 years, of which 14 I have held the post of President.

“I have now been summoned to a much higher calling, still in the life-saving business, but this time helping to save lives for the kingdom of God.”

She added: “As chaplain, I will be assuming the role and responsibilities of chaplaincy within the BRSA, thereby taking God’s presence to traumatic situations, by helping to provide comfort and peace to victims and their families.”

Roland-Bowen used her last speech as President to renew calls for strict punishment for road traffic offenders who, in her opinion, need heavier punishments in the face of reckless road use.

“Too many people die, and are seriously injured every year on our roads for such a small country, through the criminal act of another person. For this, we call on traffic law enforcement to conduct … investigations after a fatal or serious accident, to find out if a crime was indeed committed and to prevent reoccurance.

“There is a need for a stronger deterrent where our judicial system needs to stop being soft on road killers. No more slaps on the wrist for traffic offenders who seriously hurt or kill others.”

She emphasised that the heightened punishment should also include restrictions on driver’s licences, with the association proposing that persons who have caused wreckless deaths on the roads, should have their licence taken away from them for a minimum of five years, with an additionally stipulation being that they must complete a Traffic Offenders course if they want to have their licence reinstated at the end of the five year period. (SB)