Boxing Day chaos on Old Hope Road

THE EDITOR, Sir:

My family and I were returning home from Spanish Town on the night of December 27 approximately 11:30 when, on passing Matilda's Corner and attempting to go up Old Hope Road, our vehicle came to a standstill. Traffic was literally just crawling up the road. We wondered if there had been an accident. Vehicles were lined up bumper to bumper and progressing at snail's pace, sometimes not at all.

There was an ambulance obviously heading to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) to the left of us, and I could see that there was a police car somewhere behind us. It was impossible for any of these essential service vehicles to get through, as there was nowhere for traffic to go (people were all over the street) and there was no evidence of any lawmen anywhere to restore some order.

After approximately 40 minutes, we managed to arrive in the vicinity of the United States Embassy, where we were engulfed in a noisy throng of screaming people pushing and shoving and pressing against our vehicle. Music was blaring.

partying people

These people were partying on the road in front of the Dr Lloyd Cole headquarters.

We immediately thought about the treat that this gentleman put on for the children, but at that late hour, it was clear that it was the adults who were having a good time at the expense of the poor motorists. I am not against people having a good time, but not when they consider it necessary to block the road and behave in an irresponsible manner.

How could a situation like this have taken place on such a busy thoroughfare, and without any police officers around? If indeed they were present, they were extremely discreet. Was it a continuation of Dr Cole's treat? Why was it not held on his premises? If it was a street party, then why was the street not cordoned off so motorists could drive elsewhere?

This is a deplorable situation. A main corridor such as this one, which leads to the UHWI, needs to remain clear at all times, even in the middle of a holiday night. Needless to say, we arrived at our home in the mountains well after 1 a.m.

I am, etc.,

CAROL MENOU

Content Gap

St Andrew