THE EDITOR, Sir:
MY HUSBAND died recently and I am delighted to return to Jamaica to spend Christmas with a friend, and relive the happy times we enjoyed here when my husband was working in Jamaica.
I had been so looking forward to visiting friends and places I knew so well, but the hazardous driving conditions have really unnerved me. I have ventured out twice but the experience was frightening; cars overtaking on the right and left and completely ignoring indicators, and the constant hooting proved very distracting.
The Jamaican people are so polite and courteous, but this seems to change once they are behind the wheel of the car.
The accident rate must be horrendous for the insurance companies and the premiums prohibitive for tourists.
I do hope conditions can improve, it must deter tourists from returning when they are confined to their hotel etc., and not able to get about and enjoy this beautiful island.
I do hope that maybe you have influence to help make the situation better not just for tourist but also for Jamaican drivers, in particular the elderly.
I am, etc.,
EX PAT
