Friends, colleagues, and family members of Greg Laurent are mourning his tragic death following a fatal accident on Wednesday. The 28-year-old omnibus driver, who operated the Castries to Vieux Fort route, died after a collision with a vehicle in Praslin, Micoud. The crash caused extensive damage to both vehicles, leaving four others injured.
St. Lucia Times spoke with Gregory Laurent, the deceased’s father, who highlighted the sorrow currently faced by his family.
“We’re just taking it moment by moment, trying our best to stay strong as a family. This is one of those things you never think you’ll have to face. We’re praying and asking God to keep us going and give us strength. Greg was such a loving and kind person. He could be quiet at times, but he also loved to be around people. He never got into any trouble and was really close with his family, especially his two brothers.
Anyone who knew him would tell you he had an amazing attitude. It’s rare these days to find young men so determined to make an honest living. He was truly one of a kind, and his loss has shaken the whole community. There are so many great memories with Greg, it’s hard to pick just one. Every moment with him was special.
To everyone out there, please take road safety seriously. Life is precious, and it only takes a moment for things to change forever. Don’t drive selfishly on the roads. None of us want to be the reason someone else loses a loved one.”
St. Lucia Times also visited Laurent’s regular stop, the Vieux Fort Bus Stand, to gain insight into the nature of the man who has died. The atmosphere at the Faux Au Chaud, Castries location was somber. While most of his fellow bus drivers declined to speak on the record due to the ongoing mourning, words such as “angel” and “humble” were used to describe the late driver.
Johannes Sammy, a former Vice President of the Vieux Fort Minibus Association and a 30-year bus driving veteran, also commented on the immense loss. He expressed his sorrow, saying:
“He started operating the Castries to Vieux Fort route while I was Vice President. He was a kind and energetic young man, always eager to follow in his father’s footsteps. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.”
Sammy further urged commuters, as well as his fellow bus drivers, to “always drive to save lives—both their own and others’.”
I took a bus ride from Castries to Vieux Fort many years. Never again. I would rather walk than do that again. The recklessness of those drivers is beyond imagining. I’m not applying blame to the deceased in this case but they are notorious on that route.
These young drivers are too young and inexperienced to be on the road driving passenger busses.
They drive very fast on this route. Don’t know what happened in his case. But the drivers on that route drive while on phone. I have seen it. Talked to one about it, he never changed. These bus associations are not serious. Until they take safety seriously, we will hear of these sad events. I feel bad for his loss. What a waste of young life. Take safety seriously.
Unless reckless drivers are held accountable nothing much will change. My condolences to the family of the deceased .
I agree with vf driver. That route in particular they drive too fast with passengers. Accidents happen but I feel safer driving myself to Castries. Those who call themselves experience think of the other driver coming towards you that may do some crap on the road and put you in trouble with all your experience. Drive more responsible with all those lives on board and yours. Slow down drivers. What’s the rush.
I am still loss for words on this one. And while I understand the need to lament on the reckless driving of some drivers on the route what is most important at this time is to acknowledge the great loss that people who knew Greg feel. Greg was always smiling, very pleasant and kind. He was not reckless or careless. And I hope the loss of his life means something and he does not become just another statistic. I hope our PM is not just paying lip service but will ensure that we see some speed guns on the road. This is 2024. The rest of the world does not use speed guns anymore but what I am saying is the technology exists to improve our road safety for God’s sake can we use it!
Rest well Greg. I will miss you on the road.
When particularly parents have to suffer in this manner. Nothing heals that pain, grief I am in it and I know what this parents is going through. Additionally while the situation enable to drivers of this route code of conduct should be address on the various airwaves repeatedly. No one wakeup one day and decided to kill themselves in such manner unless you’re a lunatic. The distance and the amount of trips needs to achieve can also attribute to their reckless behavior. Those ponds we have on our roads, poor visibility when raining drivers don’t know it’s important to slow down. most bus driver sit in an C positive when driving some in an slanted L position backward. May his soul rest in peace
I will ride a V/fort bus only if a duck can bark.
these bus associations are not fit for purpose. there is no way to report drivers on a particular route. there is no suspension in place. if a driver has been in an accident with substantial injuries to himself and others, he should not be allowed back on the route pending investigation. his should also be grounds for expulsion. if multiple reports are made regarding violations, the bus driver should be suspended and investigated. when that becomes routine, they will behave themselves.
Another news agency has an article that he was a safe driver…..the thing is you could be the safest, most experienced, most cautious, most alert, most observant driver and an idiot can kill you on the road! This I why the points deduction system must be enforced. This is why the legal arm of government must prosecute reckless and repeat offenders of the road and traffic act and the criminal code! It is that simple….sometimes policy makers refuse to act on pressing issues because it hasn’t hit home for them…tanto tanto….zot Kay tan!
Some of you in here barking like dogs about the vf drivers when some of you in your private vehicles drive selfishly and are the causes of alot of these accidents. Furthermore, stop the blame game and learn to be sympathetic and sympathize with his friends and family. It could be your family involved one day.
Choose wisely!!
Demons can lead you astray !
The road wide and smoothie is not sure,it is the way of destruction !