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Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde says he is relieved that no one was hurt when a government pickup assigned to Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher overturned earlier this month. Hyde was responding to questions from the media following a statement on the accident, which left the government’s Ford F-150 extensively damaged.
Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister: “We’re always in a hurry. We’re always having to beat time, always having to reach meetings and I know that Minister Henry is always on the road late at night, always having to attend meetings in the districts because of his portfolio and his political work and so it’s unfortunate what happened. And thankfully, we give thanks that nobody got hurt. And it’s a lesson for all of us that we have to be absolutely careful on the road, especially in wet weather, especially late at night, especially with dark roads. And it’s just scary being on the highways to be honest with you. Many days you dodge bullets and so we’re very thankful that they’re OK. And it’s a lesson for all of us drivers and people like me who drive themselves sometimes or many times.”
The accident happened at around one o’clock in the morning of October 2, near the Mile Two roundabout on the Philip Goldson Highway. According to the ministry, Usher’s driver, Harrison ‘Reebo’ Blades, had dropped the minister at home after returning from an official meeting in San Ignacio, Cayo District. Blades was heading home when a tyre reportedly blew out, causing the pickup to overturn. He escaped without injuries. Minister Julius Espat was also asked about the incident. He says everyone, including himself, needs to pay attention to their speed and exercise greater care on the highways. He was also asked why the vehicle was towed to the MIDH lot in Belmopan.
Julius Espat, Cayo South Area Representative: “We have a good working relationship with the Vehicle Care Unit and they requested for us to move a vehicle and the Vehicle Care Unit compound is right beside us and they had limited space so they asked us permission to put the vehicle beside. More than that, I don’t get into the details and we work in close collaboration with them. They needed our help. We provided it.”
Reporter: Do you believe that some ministers or their drivers tend to drive recklessly or at high speeds?
Julius Espat, Cayo South Area Representative: “I believe most Belizeans tend to drive recklessly and at high speeds, including myself and we have to be able to make sure that we minimize that. The laws are pretty clear. Our highways are designed for 55 miles per hour. Nobody drives 55 miles per hour, but we complain when we have accidents. So, including myself, I have to scold myself and others, let’s drive safely, let’s not drink and drive, and let’s respect the laws.”
The Ministry of the Public Service says police were called to investigate the accident. It says the matter was also reported to the Assets and Utilities Management Unit, as required under government procedures./
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