We demand justice
for Cedric and visibility 
for the vulnerable

The recent hit-and-run tragedy in Waterford, St Michael has cast a sombre shadow over the Pinelands community and the entire nation. Cedric Beckles, a 64-year-old man whose only fault was walking the roads he called home, was brutally struck down and left to die — a deaf man rendered voiceless even in his final moments.

This unconscionable act must serve as a wake-up call to our society: hit-and-run accidents are not mere breaches of the law; they are moral crimes of the highest order, displaying a callous disregard for human life.

The actions of the driver who fled the scene are nothing short of reprehensible. To hit a fellow human being and leave them to die is to deny their humanity. It is a chilling act that erodes the social contract of care and responsibility we owe one another.

The question posed by road safety activist Junior Jordan rings loudly: What if that were your family member? It is a question every driver should ask themselves before making the selfish, cowardly choice to flee an accident scene.

Cedric Beckles was more than a statistic. He was a friendly man, a cherished member of his community, and someone who, despite his disabilities, found joy in his way of life. Yet his vulnerability — as a deaf pedestrian walking at night — was exploited in the most tragic way. This incident underscores the urgent need to protect the disabled and other vulnerable road users. It is incumbent upon all of us, as a society, to ensure their safety.

The responsibility begins with drivers. As Roland Lowe, president of the Road Safety Association, rightly emphasised, motorists must exercise vigilance and courtesy, particularly toward vulnerable road users. But vigilance is not enough. Reckless driving, compounded by fleeing the scene of a crime, must be met with severe consequences.

A minimum one-year suspension of a driver’s licence, as suggested by Jordan, is not merely punitive but necessary to convey the gravity of such actions. Repeat offenders should face lifetime bans from driving — a clear message that endangering lives on our roads will not be tolerated.

Authorities also have a pivotal role to play. Poor lighting and unsafe infrastructure remain persistent issues in many areas, including Waterford. Immediate action must be taken to identify and address these hazards. This is not only a matter of convenience but of life and death. Additionally, the government must implement stronger measures to ensure that drivers who violate the law face swift and just repercussions.

However, road safety is not the sole burden of the authorities or motorists. Pedestrians, too, have a role in protecting themselves. Reflective clothing, flashlights, and walking against traffic can significantly reduce risks. Education campaigns must emphasise these precautions, particularly for those who, like Beckles, are more vulnerable.

Community engagement can also play a pivotal role in improving road safety. Residents can advocate for better street lighting, clearer signage, and pedestrian crossings in high-risk areas. Collaborative efforts between citizens and local authorities can create safer environments for all road users. Such initiatives demonstrate that road safety is not just a governmental responsibility but a collective societal effort.

Public awareness campaigns must be amplified to foster a culture of accountability on the roads. Drivers must understand that hitting and running is not only illegal but deeply immoral. Education programmes targeting new drivers should emphasise the devastating consequences of hit-and-run accidents. Similarly, existing drivers should be periodically reminded of their responsibilities through mandatory refresher courses.

The technology sector can contribute as well. While the Barbados Police Service has embraced the use of advanced traffic monitoring systems, including cameras and sensors that can identify perpetrators of hit-and-run accidents more swiftly, this needs expanding to ensure greater coverage of more of the island’s roadways. Such technologies serve as both a deterrent and a means of ensuring justice for victims and their families.

While the issue at hand is the tragic accident, society must recognise and address the systemic neglect of vulnerable individuals. Beckles’ case highlights a broader issue: inadequate care for those who cannot fully advocate for themselves. His neighbours’ concerns about his lack of proper care — and their belief that he should have been placed in a home — must not be dismissed. Communities and social services must work together to ensure that individuals like Beckles receive the support they need. Vulnerability should never equate to invisibility.

Cedric Beckles deserved better. He deserved care, protection, and the dignity of being treated as a valued member of our community. His death is not just a tragedy but an indictment of a society that too often turns a blind eye to the vulnerable. Let us honour his memory by demanding justice and committing ourselves to safer roads. If we say that every life matters; our actions should reflect such.