Never too old

Two reports in Monday’s newspaper caught the eye. One was about a police control in which they checked 120 vehicles. Among these were 24 scooters and motorcycles, of which -remarkably- 16 or two-thirds turned out to be in violation of the Traffic Ordinance. Offences included riding without a helmet, lack of an appropriate driver’s licence and failure to produce proof of insurance, vehicle inspection or road tax payment. If there was any need to confirm the prevalence of breaking rules among motorbike operators, this ought to do it. What’s more, authorities said the increasing number of riders behaving recklessly and unlawfully actually led them to focus on two-wheelers in the first place. For now these impounded bikes are off the streets until owners show up with the necessary paperwork, but perhaps it is time to look a bit further. If a valid driver’s licence is usually required when buying a car at least from dealerships, why should that be any different for scooters? The second notable story regarded 76-year-old Property Maintenance SBO Level 1 student Antonio Samuel not only graduating, but doing so as overall Valedictorian at the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA), the school’s highest academic distinction. Interestingly, he was not out to get a job or higher pay but merely wanted to acquire skills to upkeep his own home responsibly. It is a strong example of where motivation, determination and dedication can lead. That the opportunity even existed also speaks well of accessibility in St. Maarten’s vocational education system. In more ways than one, people are never too old to learn.