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’.”
