EditorialReggae Music News

Sizzla Released From Hospital

Broken Ankle Mending

Internationally acclaimed recording artiste Sizzla Kalonji has been released from hospital. It was Vision who broke the news of Sizzla’s unfortunate accident.

Helmet

Motorcycles are lovely to drive but due to body exposure the risk of injury is great. It is highly recommended that protective gear should be used to minimize injury in the event of a crash. There have been a lot of deaths in Jamaica from motorcycle crashes. Westmoreland which is located to the western end of Jamaica W.I. has a large amount of motor bikes. That is a flat terrain which facilitates bike riding. There have been many crashes due to what has been described as reckless driving and some daredevil antics. Reports that Sizzla was doing stunts when he had his latest crash that led him to a broken ankle and a hospital bed is a case in point. Our regrets at this crash.

Bike Taxis

Sizzla Kalonji
Photo: Sizzla Kalonji

In an effort to alleviate the shortage of ground Transportation some very enterprising citizens have been using the pillion seat on their motor bikes as a taxi. This is a win win to all as motor bikes can get through traffic more quickly than cars and buses. They can bob and weave through traffic. Knee pads and a helmet is a must. If not yet the law, we think that not wearing of an helmet should be illegal. Many lives could be saved by just wearing a helmet.

Bike Crew

Sizzla has a motorcycle/bike crew that came to prominence at the 57th annual celebration of our Independence at the National Stadium before a crowd of 36, 000 on August 6, 2019. It was quite a spectacle to see a number of bikes under the sponsorship of the Sizzla crew as they rode around the cycle track (at the stadium). This act was well received. His and Her Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta President of Kenya were among the many distinguished guests and ordinary citizens at the National Stadium to witness this spectacular motor cycle show. Culture Minister Hon. ‘Babsy’ Grange must be commended for her efforts.

Injuries

Experts tell is that if you crash at 30 km per hour your body will get this impact also. This sudden impact can have devastating effects on the body which can lead to death. These injuries can be lessened if protective gears are employed. A helmet is a basic toll … a must. Take this advice seriously, please.

Perspective

We cannot overstress safety when driving these motorcycles. In some societies the bicycle is called a bike. Scooters and other such wheeled vehicles are included in our safety caution. Children should wear helmets even if their bicycles have trainer wheels. See picture enclosed.

We wish Sizzla Kalonji a speedy recovery. We hope he has learnt a lesson or two. This is our perspective. What is yours? We hope he has learnt well.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a veteran journalist and Senior National Political Correspondent. I rode a bicycle as a youth in Jamaica and also as an adult in Canada. I wore a helmet for safety.

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