Resident recalls near tragedy on North Leeward Road During Campaign 

By Admin. Updated 10:46 a.m., Monday, November 17, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

A resident of North Leeward has shared an experience she has described as a near tragedy over the weekend. 

Here is the full account, according to the resident:

On Saturday, an unfortunate and dangerous incident unfolded along our roadway involving a truck carrying NDP supporters to the Chateaubelair rally and a passenger van taking passengers to a ULP event in Kingstown. According to reports from the scene, the van was forced halfway over an embankment, after several persons on the truck were seen pounding on the hood of the van creating a frightening situation for everyone involved.

One of the wheels of the van went over the embankment. If it wasn’t for the actions of the van driver there could have been deaths.

This was not just a near-tragedy — it resulted in a complete roadblock, leaving motorists stranded and causing unnecessary panic and delays.

This resulted in commuters using an alternative bypass road called Long Line Road, recently upgraded by our MP Hon. Carlos James, to facilitate challenges like what occurred on Saturday.

The NDP supporters, which caused this dangerous mishap, then turned the narrative on our MP to suggest he deliberately blocked the road. Even as there is video evidence to show he was clearing the traffic and in fact called the police on the scene to assist with the traffic flow. This is the type of baseless negative propaganda we are accustomed to from the NDP and their supporters. 

Our roads are not political battlegrounds. No level of political excitement, no campaign activity, and no convoy should ever put lives at risk. We can debate, we can campaign, we can rally — but we must do so with respect for safety, for the law, and for each other.

We are urging all supporters, from every political side, to conduct themselves responsibly on the nation’s roads. Elections come and go, but the life of even one citizen is far too precious to gamble with reckless behaviour.

Ashley Akers

North Leeward Youth.

END