The Editor, Sir:

The statement, 'Truth is stranger than fiction', came vividly to mind this morning (Monday, November 3), at about 8 o'clock. Indeed, I am not sure whether I should have laughed or cried, after witnessing what I did.

I was walking up Red Hills Road towards the gas station at its intersection with Elizabeth Avenue when, in the vicinity of Calabar High School, I saw a traffic policeman apparently going through the process of prosecuting a taxi driver. I quickly looked at the licence plate of the taxi and gave the driver some credit for having a red plate, thus, at least, appearing to be 'legal'.

On my return journey, having purchased a Gleaner from the above-mentioned gas station, I had occasion to pass nearer the scene of the drama. There, after receiving some papers from the policeman, which would have been at least one more than he had presented, the taxi man entered his vehicle, with a view to continuing on his way. At that point, I jokingly said to the policeman, 'Passing 51 vehicles at a time, eh?'

Immediately after answering my question in the affirmative, the officer added with much surprise, 'He's doing it again; I'm going to prosecute him again!'

Thereupon, he jumped on his motorcycle, engaged his siren and gave chase through the peak-hour Red Hills Road traffic. Soon, both vehicles disappeared under the overhead bridge at Red Hills Road and the Washington Boulevard, having overtaken numerous vehicles - one being the hunter; the other the prey, a second time around (at least).

If I were to describe the result of the chase, I would be stretching the truth, as I was not privy to those details. All I can say is that the taxi man would have richly deserved whatever further sanction that the policeman would have imposed upon him for that blatant 'dis'.

Jack Mandora, mi nuh choose none!

I am, etc.,

EBERLE DAWES

Kingston 20