Vacation vigilance

We must all be our brother’s keeper in order to ensure that we have as safe and restful a vacation period as possible.

Already, however, tragedies on the land and at sea have reminded us of the need for caution.

The death of three-year-old Messi Gorkin has sent shock waves through the George Street community. According to reports, the Gorkin family went to the boardwalk in Chaguaramas on Sunday afternoon. At 5 pm, Atiba Gorkin was standing on the steps leading to the boardwalk when he turned his back while speaking with friends. Minutes later, he realised his son was nowhere to be seen and a frantic search began.

In the blink of an eye, any one of us can lose a family member. It is the nature of life that it pays no heed to race, class, background.

Where children are concerned, the risks are varied and multitudinous.

Parents have to work incredibly hard to protect, to supervise and to ensure all goes well.

It is not just the responsibility of parents, though, but also members of the community. We all have a hand to play in taking care of each other.

That is what Hafeeza “Rose” Mohammed knew as she took care of her neighbour’s child Videsh.

Both were brutally murdered. We praise police investigators for the speed of their probe which has resulted in a person being charged before the courts. The law will determine innocence or guilt.

On beaches not only must we supervise our wards and also be concerned about the welfare of others but we must further remember the dangers in the water.

All must pay attention to instructions from lifeguards, be aware of tides and rip currents and also know the basics of swimming.

People who intend to swim should avoid consuming booze and meals.

During this vacation time, we also call for more care on our highways.

The case of a driver being killed at the side of the road while attempting repairs is a reminder of the hazards of the road. It is clear that we cannot depend on drivers being disciplined.

People stuck on the shoulder would do well to stay away from their cars until help comes. Speeding is too great a problem and the probability of an oncoming car colliding too high.

There must also be care when it comes to cyclists and motorcyclists on the roadway. The death of Nicholas Paul, 38, and the injury of his daughter Nicolette is yet another tragedy on the roads. The facts of that matter are for the law enforcement authorities to determine.

Historically, fatal car accidents have almost always involved high levels of speed.

People should also be mindful of the hurricane season and the potential for choppy waters. As the passing of Tropical Storm Bret reminded us, and even yesterday’s high level of rainfall, we need to always be prepared.

All homes should have a supply of food and water, including non-perishable items such as canned food. Additionally, people should have medical supplies, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, a radio, candles and matches and a supply of clothes.

Homeowners should also remove outdoor items, trim dead branches from trees, board up windows if necessary, fill gas tanks and extra containers, get extra cash, move furniture away from windows, and store important documents in waterproof containers.

Much fun is to be had this vacation.

But we must all look out for one another and be ready for any eventuality.