2013-12-20Staff Report 2 SHOW off really, was that the best that you could say? The year is coming to an end and when one hears holiday all we think of is fun, resting and more fun. This after such a hectic year of fulfilling news deadlines. So when I got the invitation I did not think twice, what came into my mind was a weekend to relax and have fun – exactly what I needed. We got to the lodge and it was nice there and I was having fun until the accident happened, then I ended up in hospital with head injuries. It was an accident, at least that is what I thought, but according to De Nijs it was because I “SHOWED OFF.” I did not even care that the lodge had not visited nor sent me any message of sympathy but now I know why and it hurts. What happened to “no comment”? Because those were the two best words you could have opened your mouth to say because this surely was no showing off, as De Nijs would like the public to believe - it was simply an accident. So say it as it was, and the question was, why didn’t you provide journalists with helmets? Quite clear I guess, maybe it is cost-cutting but at whose expense? I was going to make peace with an 11cm scar on my head, but not anymore. So what if I could have died? You were shamelessly going to tell my family that I was SHOWING OFF? I mean I was either 3rd, 2nd last or last, how do you explain that De Nijs? I remember our guide telling us to speed up a bit as we were riding on a dune. And I heard something like I did not want to be taken to hospital, and it takes 10 minutes to get there? Looks like I was on a suicide mission to you then. Let me say it as it is, you did not even have the courtesy to take me to hospital, and it took us more than 30 minutes to get to the hospital. I can remember everything that happened that day as I did not black out or anything. I can also remember your lodge not having a first aid kit, such a big lodge with no first aid kit, hey? Or no accidents happen there, until I “showed off” and this was very insensitive of you to make such irresponsible remarks. Anyway just provide helmets next time in case someone like me might visit your place and would want to SHOW OFF, to make sure they are protected. I want to repeat I did not show off because this was an accident that could have happened to anyone. - Eewa BY Sabina Elago 2013-12-20Staff Report 2
