Let's bring unnecessary loss of lives to an end

I am deeply saddened every time we hear in the news that our roads have claimed yet another human life.

On the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to everyone to play a part to end this unnecessary loss of lives, often at a tender age.

I encourage everyone to join forces in ensuring that our roads are safer and better. This responsibility does not only lie with the drivers, but it also lies with the policy-makers, the road planners, the decision makers, the educators and the general public. To quote the nurse who offered the first assistance to one of the recent accident victims, “no one should go through a tragedy such as this”.

I would like to thank wholeheartedly the people who arrive at the scene of the accident, including members of the Emergency Physician Response Unit, the Civil Protection teams and the Police. The comfort you give the victims during the last moments of their life, is precious. May God give you courage and strength to carry on your invaluable work.

Last, but certainly not least, to all the families who have lost a loved one; whilst I understand that nothing can seem to be able to comfort you, I would like to encourage you to keep the memories of your loved one close to your heart.  Be strong and courageous always; you will always remain in my thoughts and in my heart.