Councillor criticised for comments about incident involving stray horses in Bernard Lodge

By Halshane Burke 

  

Member of the Portmore Advisory Council and Justice of the Peace, Cleon Porter, has criticised recent comments by Councillor for the Greater Portmore North division Gary Nicholson on the collision involving several motorists and horses along the Bernard Lodge main road last week.

 

Fourteen motorists suffered damage to their vehicles after the horses escaped from their stable and collided with the vehicles. Three of the horses were killed in the incident.

 

Councillor Nicholson pointed out that the roadway has been without proper lighting, and signage for several years.

 

But Mr. Porter has described the councillor's comments as insensitive and premature, since the authorities are still investigating the incident. 

 

"His comments suggest conclusion about the cause of the accident before any official police report has been made. These reckless remarks could potentially affect the insurance claims and compensation for the motorists involved. It is irresponsible to assign blame before the investigation is complete, and such statement may delay or even deny rightful compensation to the victim," he argued. 

 

Mr. Porter urged Councillor Nicholson to retract his statement and publicly apologise to the 14 motorists affected by the incident. 

 

In the meantime, Mr. Porter wants more action from the authorities to deal with animals straying onto roadways.

 

Citing laws such as the Main Road Act and The Keeping of Animals Act, 1979, he said the attendant penalties do not act as effective deterrents. 

 

"The Keeping of Animals Act, 1979, in Section 7, states that any owner who allows prohibited animals to be at large in a restricted area is guilty of an offence, punishable by a fine of up to $400 or six months imprisonment. These penalties are inadequate in ensuring compliance with the laws," Mr. Porter contended.