By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE father of a teen killed in a traffic accident involving a car belonging to a senior judge wants closure and answers from the police about the circumstances of his son’s death.
Kevin Louissant’s son, Brieon Sweeting, 17, was killed on September 8, the 54th traffic fatality victim of the year.
Chief Superintendent of Police Chrislyn Skippings reported that a driver of a black Ford Explorer, while turning into the Western Seaview parking lot on West Bay Street, felt an impact on the front of his vehicle. A motorcyclist subsequently crashed into a gate on the western side of the street and died.
Mr Louissant said he visited the Road Traffic Department the week of the incident to find out what happened.
“I spoke with the lead investigation officer,” he said. “He told me I wasn’t going to have nothing on the report in like two months’ time. When I spoke to the officer in charge of traffic, he gave condolences from the police force and all that, but they really talk nothing about the incident or the matter.”
An Andros resident, Mr Louissant said he plans to visit New Providence soon to approach police again for answers.
Comments
Porcupine 1 month, 1 week ago
He will get the same answer everyone else who wants justice in this country gets.
mandela 1 month, 1 week ago
You can always tell when an incident like these occurs involving so called higher ups in our society. Nothing happens.
IslandWarrior 1 month, 1 week ago
From a legal perspective within the Bahamian legal system, the concerns surrounding this case highlight issues of transparency, accountability, and due process in investigating fatal traffic incidents. The questions raised by the victim’s father, combined with public sentiment, stress the importance of ensuring that the Bahamian legal system functions without bias, regardless of the social status of those involved.
Key legal considerations include:
Right to Due Process under the Bahamian Legal System: The father of the victim has a legal right to be informed about the progress of the investigation. Any unnecessary delays in delivering information, particularly in a fatality case, could give rise to concerns about whether the legal process is being properly observed. In the Bahamian legal system, due process mandates that all involved parties are treated fairly and that justice is neither delayed nor obstructed.
Equal Treatment under Bahamian Law: One of the primary concerns is whether the status of certain individuals, particularly those in positions of power, is influencing the course of the investigation. The Bahamian legal system, rooted in fairness and equality, is designed to ensure that no one is above the law. Any perception or evidence of preferential treatment based on one’s social or professional status erodes trust in the system.
Bahamian Duty of Care and Negligence: Legally, all drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles in a manner that ensures public safety. In this instance, an investigation must determine whether the driver or the motorcyclist acted negligently. The Bahamian legal system requires a thorough and impartial examination of all evidence, including eyewitness testimonies and traffic reports, to assess who, if anyone, bears responsibility.
Accountability within Bahamian Law Enforcement: Law enforcement officials and investigators are legally obligated to conduct investigations in a transparent and timely manner. Any deliberate delay or failure to communicate with the victim’s family could lead to accusations of negligence or obstruction. Within the Bahamian legal system, those responsible for conducting the investigation could face legal repercussions or internal disciplinary measures if found to be deliberately impeding the process.
Legal Recourse for the Victim’s Family: The family has the right to seek independent legal counsel if they feel the investigation is being mishandled. They may also pursue legal remedies through the Bahamian courts to compel action from law enforcement or seek compensation for any proven negligence. In some cases, civil litigation could be initiated against individuals or entities involved in delaying or mishandling the investigation.
Porcupine 1 month, 1 week ago
Your voice is important. Thx
AnObserver 1 month, 1 week ago
The car was traveling north/east on West Bay Street, and turning left. Picture that in your mind. Where would the motorcycle have to have been in order for the driver of the car to have been at fault?
ThisIsOurs 1 month, 1 week ago
I said this morning, the most important piece of information is missing from the article, which direction was the driver travelling and which direction was the motorcyclist travelling?
If they were travelling in the same direction, the motorcyclist would be at fault, the driver could be cited for failing to signal but that's about it. Motorcyclists dont have a right to a third lane.
If they were travelling in different directions, then time of day is a factor. If at night, dd the motorcycle have lights? If it did, then the driver would be at fault since the motorcyclist would have right of way on his side of the street.
Too much info missing from the article
I remember one night travelling on single lane Prince charles and thinking what a weird light heading my way. As it came past me the light morphed into a speeding semi truck. The light looked weird because it was high, if I were travelling within my lines but even close to middle line, he would have hit me because he took up so much of the road.
ThisIsOurs 1 month, 1 week ago
Forgot to mention. The semi only had one working headlight, from far I first thought it was a motorcycle, but it looked weird
rosiepi 1 month, 1 week ago
What troubles me here is the fact that the poor boy’s aggrieved Father had to seek out the investigating officer-is there no duty of care that the police extend in such circumstances? And two months - at least for any information? How long for the disposition? Is this per usual in the case of a vehicular death? Or just reflective of what anyone in the Bahamas can expect given who was driving the car? As in we’re sorry but don’t expect a result Bub.
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