The Editor, Sir:

The incident on the Llandovery main road is a chilling reminder to all Jamaicans that something must be done to regulate public-passenger operators. While so much emphasis and resources are placed on stemming murders, I believe that more can be done by the authorities to stem the wanton destruction of lives through motor vehicle accidents. From what I can see, some or most of the operators involved should be charged for murder - not manslaughter - tried and sentenced accordingly.

Too many lives are lost because of the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of public-passenger operators. We need to commission a study to assess whether there is a strong correlation between the number of lives lost on our roadways and the operators of public-passenger transportation.

I know that some of us can, even before the study is complete, add the numbers and conclude that an alarming percentage of accidents, if not directly caused by bus and taxi operators, are indirectly caused. Sometimes we blame the commuters for continuing to use the services of operators who are known for always breaching the codes of the road. But some of them, especially in the rural areas, really have n>The echoes have been loud for a very long time that there is an urgent need to regulate these operators. We cannot continue to watch our family members - Jamaicans - die and be maimed at the hands of persons whose main interest is to make money at any cost. The Transport Authority needs to implement measures whichallow for the re-testing of persons applying for or being recommended as drivers of public-passenger transportation. Also, it should be mandatory that these operators attend defensive-driving courses with a provision for annual recertification.

I am, etc.,

PAT BIGNAL

wilbig@cwjamaica.com