Stray animals on roadways a growing concern as family of teacher killed in crash sounds alarm

Relatives of 31-year-old Jerome Bernard, a teacher from Brighton Village, Corentyne, Berbice, are calling for urgent action to remove stray animals from roadways following the fatal accident that claimed his life.

Bernard’s aunt, Brenda Lewis, told reporters that authorities must focus on preventing animals from wandering onto roads, noting that Bernard, who was also a livestock farmer, always ensured his own animals were secured day and night to avoid accidents.

Brenda also raised concerns about derelict vehicles parked along road shoulders.

“I think the government, the Minister, or whoever is responsible should get them off the roadways because if a cattle runs across the road from behind a derelict vehicle, it can cause an accident,” she said.

Jerome’s mother, Kim Lewis, was too emotionally overwhelmed to speak to the media.

“He was the only child for his mom. She loved him and he loved her. It’s just the two of them. He is my nephew, and he was like a son to each and every one of his aunts. Losing an only child is very, very hard for her. It’s hard for me, and it’s not my son,” she said.

Brenda, speaking on behalf of Jerome’s mother, described her nephew as a dedicated teacher with a love for sports and a passion for nurturing children.

“He always took the children out. This is not the first time he took them out. He would take them to any school activity with our bus; he used to be the driver sometimes. So this fateful day was very tragic. He took them Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday,” she stated.

Brenda added, “What we heard is that he was coming, and a horse ran in front of the bus. He tried to avoid colliding with it, but it didn’t happen.”

She also commended the nurses, doctors, and staff at the Number 75 and Georgetown Public Hospitals, who did their utmost to save Jerome’s life.

On the night of the accident, 16-year-old Jodea Seline from Limlair Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty at the No. 75 Hospital. Two female passengers remain in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, one with a fractured skull and the other with severe head trauma.

Other victims involved in the accident are currently recovering.