That toll tantrum

Jan 14, 2009 Features / Columnists

The Parrot read with interest the recent incident in which Mark Benschop reportedly left his vehicle to obstruct traffic at the toll station of the Berbice River Bridge. Now, tell me if this is not the most preposterous episode of this kind to have occurred. The tolls were published many times; so often that the publication became a topic of many debates in the letter columns of the newspapers. Some feel that the amounts are too high. This feeling of “highness” could only be possible if the “feelers” are aware of the figures.
The accused is one who is known to agitate and articulate positions on issues that seem to be of concern to some people. Given the attention the tolls have attracted, I have no reason to believe that, prior to his trip, he was unaware of the amount needed to cross (On an earlier trip he was charged one toll).
The Berbice Bridge is a remarkable achievement; an achievement that will be talked about for years to come; the benefits are tremendous. Again, I have no reason to believe that the accused did not “mark” the bridge for his many discussions.
The incident has left many lingering questions.
An investigation should be launched immediately to determine why the vehicle was left there for a lengthy period of time. Why didn’t the police react appropriately? The Parrot is aware of some of the social gatherings at various water holes where the accused and some members of the force meet. Nothing is wrong with this; anyone is free to engage socially. However, should I believe that, as a result of such social interactions, the accused felt that he was overly empowered to show disregard for law and order? Did he believe that, being in such company, he was made to be immune to prosecution?
Something seems amiss with this incident. I can guarantee what the series of events would have been had an ordinary person committed such an inexcusable act. His/her vehicle would have been towed away and impounded; the driver would have been arrested and charged, and he/she would have probably been kept in custody until the next day, when a court appearance would have been mandatory.
Obstructing traffic is an offence; preventing others from using an assigned lane at the toll booth is even worse. What is astonishing is that the accused was put on self-bail! Unbelievable! And this is a guy who would accuse others of indifferent treatment.
Was this a euphoric feeling of invincibility as a result of the social gatherings alluded to? I hope not. Some people said that the incident had nothing to do with the toll; the accused, having spent five years behind bars, was afraid when he saw the bar at the toll station. Fearful of a “repeat,” he bolted and abandoned the vehicle. The tantrum he threw was a red herring.
That aside, the incident can set a bad precedent. Its date should be “marked” for future reference. Squawk! Squawk!

Latest News

That toll tantrum

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 14th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

GBA assembles elite squad for 2025 Caribbean Boxing Championship in...

PanAm Aquatics urges GASA reform, lift suspension...

Alimohamed, Motie stroke fifties as Harpy Eagles...

Mashramani Street Football Championships...

Fitness Express to reward overall winners

Amaya Milk Company backs One Guyana Mashramani...

Features/Columnists

The Opposition is engaged in self-sabotage

OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus

Wanted – ten Guyanese true and trustworthy

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

That toll tantrum

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 14th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]