Dear Editor,

I don’t think any reasonable Jamaican, including motorists, has any reservation in endorsing the principle of people keeping fit and healthy while supporting charities. Where l think people, like myself, part company with the organisers of these events is that they violate every word in the concept that says one’s desires and rights to pursue his or her objective should not impinge on others rights to similarly enjoy theirs.Last week Saturday, between the hours of 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm, the areas around New Kingston, including Oxford, Old Hope, and Lady Musgrave roads were blocked off from normal vehicular traffic to all to facilitate the annual Guardian Life 5K Run.I think closing off of these roads, especially at prime time Saturday evening, when taxpaying motorists are trying to go about their legitimate business is shameful and unconscionable, to say the least.The Guardian Run is one of six or seven of these runs the police authorise every year; the most I am sure for any busy metropolitan area in the world. The organisers of these events must work out a better plan to ensure the least disruption to people’s lawful activities.I suggest that the organisers use the route less travelled at night, as the Digicel Run does. All of the downtown waterfront being largely a straight course would lend itself to more control and better security for the runners while minimising the inconvenience to non-participants.Corporate Jamaica’s penchant to continuously burnish its public relations image, which is the main rationale behind these runs must understand that they cannot be done at the inconvenience to the citizens of the Corporate Area. The police must also ensure that at the end of the day their actions in facilitating events like these runs, carnival, etc, must take into consideration the extent of people’s daily routine, including how emergency services are affected.These 5K runs, together with the recently launched Jamaica Moves campaign, can be an excellent elixir for the nation’s health and wellness, but these must be done in an orderly and lawful way. 

Winston Barrett

Manor Park, St Andrew

winstonbarrett1654@gmail.com