Dear Editor,
PLEASE allow me space in your letters column to bring a matter to the authorities for urgent attention. The issue is in relation to weeding machine operators, who undertake works along the roadside and other areas close to where persons walk or drive.

Editor, in the past, several persons have complained that they have had their vehicles damaged or they were hit by bricks and other objects, owing to the actions of weeders. As recent as last Thursday, the Parika Neighbourhood Democratic Council contracted workers were doing work and an object pitched and damaged a car. The driver of the vehicle was very frustrated, as no one wanted to take responsibility to repay for the damage.

In another instance, I heard of another story where a brick pitched up and hit an elderly man on his shoulder as he was sitting in a vehicle while someone was weeding. In all of these cases, there is no compensation or anything as the persons who are doing the job are contracted by other individuals and companies and are firm in their view that there is nothing that could be done. All this is happening, because there is no legislation in place, which would hold persons accountable for operating in this manner.

This happens regularly and the authorities must do something urgently to address the situation. In other countries, persons weeding in highly populated areas would hold a net as a barrier between the person weeding and passersby and vehicles, etc. This is standard safety practice in other countries which Guyana must adopt.

Also, the time these weeders start working in the mornings, especially weekends, is another matter, which I would not delve into at this time; suffice to say that it must be addressed as it is a nuisance to persons who are tired and want to get their rest.

I am therefore calling on the authorities to have the necessary legislation in place that would make it mandatory for all involved in weeding or cleaning to ensure that these safety methods are employed to protect life and property.

Yours sincerely,
M. Persaud