FOD calls for urgent infrastructure fixes after tourist falls into manhole’

It took a tourist’s plunge down a poorly covered manhole for a political party to call for a radical overhaul of public safety measures in Barbados.

The Friends of Democracy expressed deep concern over the incident, which occurred along Belmont Road in St Michael, and praised area residents who rushed to the woman’s aid.

​”This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder that protecting the public requires a proactive approach to inspection, maintenance, and repair,” said Jamal Martindale, the FOD spokesperson for transport and works. 

“Hazards such as uncovered or poorly secured manholes are more than an inconvenience—they are a serious threat to public safety.”

Neglected infrastructure places all pedestrians at risk, with children, senior citizens, and people living with disabilities being the most vulnerable, said Martindale, who argued that a single moment of inattention should never result in a preventable injury, particularly in a country that markets itself on being safe and welcoming.

​”As a nation that prides itself on being safe, welcoming, and accessible, we must ensure that our public infrastructure reflects those values. Every resident and every visitor should be able to walk our streets with confidence, knowing that basic safety standards are being upheld.”

​The FOD urged authorities to prioritise routine inspections and timely maintenance of critical pedestrian areas, including drains, pavements, and manholes, before a more serious or fatal accident occurs.

​While welcoming the initiative to introduce digital reporting tools for infrastructural defects through the Pearly app, the FOD warned that technology alone cannot replace physical vigilance.

(RR)