T&T is in a difficult place right now and it is important to remain positive.
I don't like using a war analogy but its as if we are in a war, a fierce battlefield and at times, we are overwhelmed by the scale and intensity of the enemy fire.
How do we keep our composure and concentration in the face of such a barrage?
On Saturday, while in Tobago, I received the news while at breakfast that there was an accident on the Beetham Highway and a group of cyclists were involved, among them were Joe Brown and BPTT employee Joanna Banks.
It was, to say the least, the most upsetting news and in the era of social media almost immediately videos, that should have had a disclaimer that they were graphic and disturbing, were in circulation.
Calls were made to verify the news and unfortunately, it was true.
Brown played rugby for Trinidad Northern Rugby Club when he arrived in T&T on assignment. Very soon his reputation had grown as a tough opponent very physical and as hard as granite on the rugby field.
It was a challenge at first to reconcile such an aggravating and abrasive persona with an oval ball in his hand or when he was attempting to dislodge it with his culinary and creative skills.
The members of Slipstream cycling club would be devastated and traumatised by such a tragic accident.
There are no words of comfort that can be said to the families, friends and colleagues of Joe, Joanna and Leroy Calliste, another cyclist who recently lost his life in a road accident. Calliste, 64, was riding his bicycle along the PBR, near a WASA facility, when he was struck. They were doing an activity that they were each passionate about and loved.
Joe made a contribution to T&T. His passing is made even more profound by the irony of it all.
Road Safety organisation Arrive Alive will be holding a "Day of Remembrance" for road traffic victims on the weekend of November 17-18, and Joe, who was a part sponsor of previous Remembrance events, will be remembered on that day.
Accidents can and will happen and there are a myriad of philosophical thoughts and views about death and dying. But it must be said that there is an attitude of disrespect shown by many drivers on the road when they encounter cyclists, runners, joggers and walkers.
I myself on my long walks to Maracas Beach have had to deal with drivers who seem to believe only motor vehicles should be on the road.
Why should keeping fit be a high-risk activity?
As difficult and painful as the loss may be to all those who knew Joe and Joanna, giving up the bike or the ride, is not what will honour their memory.
Yes, I know that is easier said than done. What is needed is to continue the battle for safer roads for cyclists, joggers and runners.
If we want a healthier more physically active T&T, people must feel relatively safe when they go out to exercise. Exercising shouldn't be Russian roulette.
Editor's Note:
Brian Lewis is the president of T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) and the views expressed are not necessarily those of the organisation.
