Good Samaritan to the rescue

THE EDITOR: On November 19, 2004, I was driving my vehicle west along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. It was a morning of clear skies, bright sunshine and I was taking my daughter to school in Port-of-Spain. Honestly speaking, I am not a fast car driver. But when approaching the intersection near UWI entrance I saw the traffic lights signalling green. Just about a mere metre or rather in the block of traffic lights it changed to amber. I proceeded with caution. I noticed a policeman #14337 PC Cadette on bike patrol to the south of the said traffic lights who then proceeded west also. To my disbelief, the officer on bike with flashing blue lights was following me. Noticing this I slowed the vehicle.

There were no other vehicles on the highway at that moment. Nearing my vehicle the patrol officer put on his siren, then he commanded me to pull over to the curb left of the highway just about 200 yards from the said traffic lights. He asked me, “Why you went through the red light?” I responded with a no. Upon seeing a green light turn to amber just metre metres to the traffic I then proceeded with caution. With a serious face he took my driver’s ID and insurance and went to the rear of my vehicle where he parked. At that time my unwell daughter was in tears. Knowing that her dad preaches the non-breaking of all traffic laws, the presence of the said patrol officer frightened her. About 12 minutes later I received my ticket fine of $200 for breaking the red light.

Seconds after the patrol officer left, I could not get my vehicle restarted. A goodly gentleman came to my rescue after I was blanked of attention by a police car travelling east. He took my daughter and me in search of a new battery for my vehicle while someone was on the way from the nation driver’s to wreck me if the need arises. After checking places before the hour of eight o’clock we were successful in obtaining the right battery. The car problem was solved and I was on the road again. Thank God for that man who in fact drives a taxi. Thank you sir for assisting me. May God bless you always.

GREGORY NEPTUNE
Trincity