A newly-erected street sign to identify Paradise Road in Glass Shack as part of the 911 Programme Management’s thrust to make it easy for emergency responders to effectively find their locations, was ripped from its pole by vandals.
The sign which was erected on Monday, July 5, by the Paradise Road residents, appeared to have been destroyed on or before Tuesday, July 14.
The citizens, this newspaper was told, reached into their individual pockets to come up with the funds to purchase the official sign and had donation of cement while volunteers erected the landmark.
The SUN was informed that the sign was discovered missing by a resident who was driving past that spot. It appears that someone ripped the sign out of the bracket breaking it and removing it leaving the post and bracket behind.
A resident who was visibly upset remarked: “I cannot believe that people would do something like this. Something that could enable someone to get emergency help in a quick time frame has been stolen.  The residents in Cooper Jack have paid for this sign and I hope that anyone who saw the thieves would report them to 911”
Meanwhile, Programme Manager for 911, Juliette Gooden, said that under the Road Naming Legislation anyone who willfully destroys, removes, defaces or obliterates a street name plate that has been set up in accordance with the road naming process is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars. 
“The person or persons who did this obviously have no respect for the fact that these signs are purchased from the hard earned money of the residents,” Gooding said. She also urged the community to report any information they have on this act and assist the police in bringing the offending person or persons to justice. 
“It is extremely discouraging but I believe that if this theft is brought before the Courts and the message is clear that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour, it could serve to deter others from following suit,” Gooding said.
Gooding, who said remains encouraged, said that she believes there are more mature, law abiding citizens in our community than who she described as the few “cowardly, idle persons”, who would stoop to this type of “criminal behaviour”.
For further information on the 911 project visit www.911tci.com.  The 911 Centre’s Administration line for all enquiries is 649-946-5255.
Posted July 23 2010