One of them is the announcement this week of a cooperative effort involving the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the Governor’s Office and UK Government Departments to help address the dangerous driving situation on the island.

It is certainly alarming to hear that for the month of January there were 34 road accidents in Anguilla, 42 in February with one fatality and 15 by March 12. These are staggering statistics in a 16-mile-long island by 3 miles at its widest points. One wonders what the reckless driving by some motorists is all about and what thanks it is to providence which has so kindly enabled a once-impoverished island and people to obtain a high and enviable standard of living which they should be proud and yet humble about. The many vehicles with the attendant traffic are surely a sign of prosperity on the island.

Just when some of us were wondering what to do about the accident problem, the announcement of the tripartite road safety campaign came. It is a welcome undertaking. Its wide scope and the forthcoming high level exposure of Sergeant Marva Gumbs to well-developed traffic systems in the UK should help in a great measure, along with the anticipated cooperation and good conduct of motorists, to ensure the success of the campaign.

The second matter is the effort by the Police Task Force to meet with gang leaders on the island to stave off any untoward acts of violence in the various communities. We think this is a well-intentioned move, not to harass the youngsters, but to tell them in plain language, and with a sense of seriousness and purpose, that they need to turn away from the path of violence and live peaceful, useful and productive lives. Of course the alternative would be the application of the force of the law.

It is a sensitive situation but there are certain glories and honours to be achieved for the future of Anguilla and the youngsters themselves if an atmosphere of love, unity and understanding can prevail among all members of the population. There is no sense to sit back and allow violence and crime to overtake our fair land when something can be done to prevent it.

In both matters those involved in the road safety campaign and in maintaining law and order in Anguilla deserve every commendation and the support of the citizenry of the island.
Proactive action is always the best approach to deal with challenging matters before they get out of hand.

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