It took a tourist’s plunge down a poorly covered manhole for a political party to call for a radical overhaul of public safety measures in Barbados.

The Friends of Democracy expressed deep concern over the incident, which occurred along Belmont Road in St Michael, and praised area residents who rushed to the woman’s aid.

​”This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder that protecting the public requires a proactive approach to inspection, maintenance, and repair,” said Jamal Martindale, the FOD spokesperson for transport and works.