Many hazards in our daily routine

THE EDITOR: After walking around the “new” West mall recently and seeing numerous construction hazards, I had to jokingly comment that the rebranded “Falls of West Mall” must refer to the fact that there are so many “traps” that would cause a fall. Little did I know that soon after, I myself would become the victim of a very painful slip and fall and subsequent sprained and swollen ankle after leaving TSTT heading for the escalator (two steps of rough powdery, broken concrete).

Why is it that hazardous areas are not better marked or closed outright until a safer pathway can be provided? Every day that we go about our daily routines in this country, we are confronted with many hazards. Pavements, roads, public spaces etc. We are not a proactive country but a reactive one, and tend to wait for disaster to strike before we correct things. Think of how much pain and suffering is caused by our lack of forethought and care.

The exact fall I experienced would have been life threatening to someone older with more brittle bones. Let us as a nation be more thoughtful and caring, aim for excellence in all that we do. Do not tolerate the mediocrity that is hampering our capacity to excel.

PRADEEP LATCHMAN
Port-of-Spain