Sidney Sweeting, DDS
In the late 1930's the famous comedy duo, Abbot and Costello, did a comedy skit about baseball in which the players had odd names such as "Who's" (name of player) on first, "What's" on 2nd and "I don't know" is on third. I have been reminded of this skit by my frustrating efforts to find out who is responsible for the public having this long-suffering and dangerous battle that plagues us with non-functioning traffic lights all over the island.
Several months ago I called the Ministry of Works and asked for the person responsible for the traffic lights. A gentleman at that extension said that he was not responsible and the lady in charge was not yet in (it was only 9:30 am). I called again at 10:30 am and she told me that she was not in charge and gave me the name of the person who is in charge and tranferred my call. The person at that extension said that she was not in charge and gave me another name and again tranferred my call. The gentleman who answered this time said that he did not know who is in charge of traffic lights.
Finally, I asked to speak with the Minster. He was in a meeting but he did return my call. He explained that sometimes the parts required to fix the lights are very expensive which led me to question what monetary value the Ministry places on a life that may be lost because of a non-functioning light. He did promise to look into it that afternoon.
The following morning the light (at the Village Road/Shirley Street intersection) was working. That evening it had quit. After it had been on for two days this week and then off again I decided to call the office of the MInister again. His secretary informed me that a contractor is in charge and gave me his name and phone number. A very pleasant gentleman informed me that he would go and fix it immediately if he could get permission. His contract has not been renewed but stated that he would fix it free of charge if he could get the ok, but he does not know who could give him permission and, as in George Orwell's Animal Farm, they stumble along in organized confusion.
So, "Who's" in charge and if anyone knows how to find "Who's" please inform the Press.
