Okeen Lightfoot
Cabinet on Thursday expressed profound condolences following the tragic death of National Solid Waste Management Authority employee Okeen Lightfoot, who lost his life in a traffic accident while carrying out his duties earlier this week.
Ministers said they were deeply saddened by the incident and extended sympathies to Lightfoot’s family, friends, colleagues, and the wider National Solid Waste Management Authority community.
In reflecting on the tragedy, Cabinet acknowledged the critical role played daily by sanitation and waste management workers across Antigua and Barbuda, describing their contribution to public health and community well-being as invaluable.
The discussion also turned to growing concerns surrounding reckless and irresponsible driving on the nation’s roads. Cabinet noted that Lightfoot’s death came just before another National Solid Waste Management Authority worker was reportedly struck by a vehicle while performing roadside duties on Wednesday morning.
Ministers warned that the increasing number of dangerous driving incidents poses a serious threat to public safety, particularly for frontline workers operating in vulnerable roadside environments.
Motorists are now being urged to exercise greater caution, patience, and responsibility while driving, especially in areas where public workers are active along roadways.
Cabinet appealed to drivers to obey traffic laws, reduce excessive speed, remain alert, and show greater consideration for pedestrians and workers.
Cabinet also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing discussions with relevant agencies and authorities on measures aimed at improving road safety protections for roadside workers.
During Thursday’s meeting, Cabinet additionally paid tribute to former meteorologist Philbert Mason and contractor and philanthropist Evrod Roberts, both of whom recently passed away.
Ministers described Mason’s contribution to meteorology and national development as exceptional and unmatched, while Roberts was remembered for his lasting impact on the construction industry, philanthropy, culture, and sports in Antigua and Barbuda.
Condolences were extended to the families and loved ones of Mason, Roberts, and Lightfoot as the nation continues to mourn their passing.
Condolences to his family. Some of them drivers just too damn wild
They tte drivers needs to stay off then phone and stop drinking so fast
The driver is well connected. He will get away…the case will be drawn out…No wonder he came out of the vehicle smiling like a crack head.
I doubt that the young man came out of the Vechicle smiling. if he did , some people have a way of covering up their shame, stress and pains by smiling. Let’s not cast this family in prison because one son earned badly or miserably. He is from grandfather that worked hard and through his sons to work hard.
As far road safety, I think that the police is doing a very poor job . When last have you seen a police on patrol giving speeding tickets. We are inconsistent in every aspect possible in this country.
In any developed country you must have traffic police, ensuring that drivers adhere to traffic laws etc. in Antigua they only operate in St.Johns. When I see those big trucks filled with load – which means their stopping distance is limited, speeding pass cars , buses and those tourists in those big tricycles I always shiver. You drive in the nigh no police patrol.
I am calling in the government to call on the police commissioner to get going or shift out. In fact the police main function these days seems to be outriding in front of funerals and sports teams when they visit Antigua. I am not only talking about international games and players but any wishy washy tournament. Then they waste no time to put on their emergency noise maker to allow them to fly through traffic going nowhere. Have seen this with my own two eyes. So is not only the people that are working on the side of the road alone must demand, we all need better people services and protection in all aspects- pro-activism demands accountability. Re- activism brings fingers pointing and if’s me min know.
Because that’s what his mum does all time he n his bro do wrong but hell no ,bit this time
I am in agreement with the Cabinet that motorists must drive with due care and attention as many of the accidents that we see on our roadways are due to reckless and careless driving. But those persons working on our roadways, including garbage collectors, road cleaners and others must demand more from the government in order to protect their own lives. Garbage collectors, cleaners and others must immediately demand the proper bright reflective vests, hard hats, cones and other signage as part of their tools. They must begin to take the safety into their lives in their hands.
Bus drivers beware when yall driving like speed demons with passengers
Not only speeding in on Antigua roads are ridiculous! You see those crossing signs where a vehicle supposed to stop and let pedestrian cross. Many times I’m at a crossing point and im waiting for upcoming vehicles to stop and some dont even acknowledges that all you wanted to do is get to the otherside of the road. And this includes some female drivers as well…. And if its a case where there’s an up and down one car would stop while the other one keeps on driving!!! This happens plenty on Lower All Saints the crossing close by the brownies establishment. Sometimes I really wonder what happens road safety and what some drivers does be really doing and thinking!!! NO KIND OF RESPECT FOR THIS LITTLE ANTIGUA ROAD……
Reckless driving destroying families and communities way too often now.