Please allow me to use this forum to commend the outstanding service of Officer Balfour, a member of the traffic division of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. I reside at Maracas St Joseph and commute daily to my workplace in Portof- Spain. Along that journey, one significant hub of traffic activity is the intersection of the Uriah Butler Highway and the Eastern Main Road in Champs Fleurs. Officer Balfour is frequently stationed at that junction.
The management of traffic at that intersection is very challenging for a number of reasons: (i) there are a number of schools, hospitals, commercial enterprises and residences located in the vicinity of the junction; (ii) the roads feeding into that junction narrow at the intersection; (iii) there are two lanes of traffic dedicated alternately to east or west bound traffic depending on the time of day (which drivers flagrantly ignore in the absence of enforcement); (iv) the intersection is a major connector between north and south, and east and west, Trinidad and is therefore heavily utilized. Notwithstanding these factors if Officer Balfour is working at that intersection I can be guaranteed of a continuous free flow of traffic from St Joseph to the Uriah Butler Highway.
Officer Balfour's presence at that intersection could mean the difference between a 45 minute commute to Port-of-Spain and a 90 minute commute. I believe that Officer Balfour's success is a attributable to number of factors: (i) he has a keen understanding of traffic flows and proactively channels the traffic to achieve continuous flow and least disruption; (ii) he communicates with commuters professionally, firmly but always in a dignified manner; (iii) he is energetic and enthusiastic in the execution of his duties and always wears a smile; (iv) he makes you feel as though you are collaborating with him towards the achievement of an objective which is in the best interest of all.
He enjoins us all. Officer Balfour is truly a credit to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and deserves every commendation. His name and work comes up repeatedly during casual conversations surrounding the topic of traffic congestion among neighbours, friends and family. Selfishly, I might wish that Officer Balfour would be stationed permanently at that intersection.
However, it occurs to me that the population at large would benefit more if his skills and approach to traffic management could be taught to other promising officers of the TTPS aspiring to achieve his level of service excellence. I could see real potential value in him participating in the training of other officers. Once more I would like to thank Officer Balfour for his committed service and for his example.
Nicole Ferreira-Aaron,
Maracas St Joseph