By Admin. Updated 4:40 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The Van Culture in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been characterized by many traffic infractions and undesirable behaviors, and a student falling from a moving minivan was one of the most recent actions that caught the attention of the police.
The result? Police suspended the license of the vehicle’s driver and laid charges against both the driver and conductor of the vehicle.
In a September 26 press release, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) said it “has swiftly responded to an incident captured in a video circulating on social media, where a student fell from a moving minivan along the Fern-Side public road, in the vicinity of the St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School”.
“The incident, which has raised significant public concern, reportedly occurred on September 12, 2024, as the door of the vehicle remained open while in motion,” police said.
“Upon investigation, the RSVGPF laid several charges against the individuals involved. Jerden Jacobs, a resident of Green Hill and the driver of the minivan, was charged with multiple traffic violations, all in breach of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations, Chapter 483 of the Revised Edition of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 2009,” police said.
The press release said: “His charges include Driving without a licensed conductor on board, Driving in a manner dangerous to the public, Permitting a conductor to ride elsewhere other than inside the vehicle, and Playing a musical instrument in a public place without written permission.
Police said Joelando Browne, the conductor of the vehicle, also a resident of Green Hill, was similarly charged with offences under the same regulations, including Acting as a conductor without the proper permit and Riding the vehicle in an unsafe manner, outside of the designated area.
“Following the laying of charges, the Commissioner of Police, serving as the Licensing Authority in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and vested with the authority to suspend licenses, exercised this power and suspended the driver’s license of Jerden Jacobs with immediate effect, in accordance with Section 48 (1) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations, Chapter 483 of the Revised Edition of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 2009,” the press release stated.
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police said Force is fully committed to ensuring that our roads remain safe for all users. Incidents of reckless or negligent behavior will not be tolerated. This incident serves as a stern reminder of the dangers posed by non-compliance with road safety regulations, especially where the safety of children and passengers is concerned.
“We would like to assure the public that the RSVGPF will continue to take decisive and uncompromising action against anyone who flagrantly disregards the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The safety of our citizens is paramount, and we are resolute in enforcing the law to its fullest extent,” police said in the press release.
The RSVGPF said it encourages all road users to strictly comply with the traffic laws to prevent incidents of this nature and ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the public. We also urge the public to report any traffic violations or suspicious activity they may observe. By working together, we can promote a safer and more orderly nation.
One News SVG 