Bahamian Family Islands record a rise in traffic fatalities; warnings from Officials

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

#TheBahamas, December 1, 2022 – A number of traffic fatalities have occurred across The Bahamas over the past few weeks.  Among the recent tragedies was a young boy overnight, and though he died on his bicycle on Rock Crusher Road in the country’s capital, Nassau it was another opportunity to sound the alarm.

Just days before, on Monday around 2 pm when the life of a 48-year-old male was lost in James Cistern, Eleuthera.

The Royal Bahamas Police lost Sgt Shamar Edgecome, 43 years old, on November 19 when his service jeep was found turned over in bushes; Edgecombe ejected.  Island Administrator for Acklins, Wilma Colebrooke revealed the officer was assigned to duty at the Lovely Bay area.

Chief Superintendent, Shanta Knowles from the Eleuthera Police Division has called on motorists to be more vigilant and pay attention to road regulations. She said road checks are done regularly to remind drivers of traffic regulations such as the use of seatbelts and driving within the speed limit.

To date, there have been recorded fatalities in the areas of Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, New Providence, Acklins, and North Andros.

Eight Mile Rock Island Administrator, Ricardo Ferguson believes that lighting is an issue in his area and plans to meet with the police Chief Superintendent, other traffic officials and the Grand Bahama Power and Light Company to discuss a solution. Ferguson stressed that waiting until things happen before addressing issues will only result in further loss of life.

The Officer in charge of Family Islands Assistant Commissioner of Police, Bernard K Bonamy Jr was asked about the infrastructure and condition of roads to which he said driving carefully is crucial, regardless of available infrastructure and road conditions.