It is a first for Anguilla and probably the rest of the Caribbean. The story is that Simelife Studios, a brand new electronic/computer company, whose principals are Mr. Quinson Gumbs and his fiancee, Ms. Dionne Bryan, is revolutionising the teaching of vehicular driving on the island. Their modus operandi is a combination of two sets of smart simulation equipment.
The equipment includes two simulators: one for left-hand driving and the other for right-hand driving; and the persons to whom the skilful learning system is aimed are youngsters 16-18 years or younger. The enabling technologies, in terms of electronic and computer components, were purchased in such progressive countries as the United Kingdom, the United States, The Netherlands, Australia, among other technically-advanced nations.
“The business is called Simelife Studios and what it does is teaching persons to drive. That’s the premier function,” Mr. Gumbs explained to The Anguillian newspaper. “There are people who, for the first time in their lives, when they get behind the steering wheel of a vehicle, retain just enough to pass a written road test. After that, they become part of the traffic for the rest of their lives, but do nor grasp what it means to have a licence to be drivers. There are a lot of young drivers who get into accidents. They were told about the dangers of the roads, but were never shown how dangerous the roads are, and how they can safely learn to drive without injuring themselves, their instructors, other persons or damaging their vehicles and other properties. But this simulating system is the middle ground between the written and the road tests.”
Mr. Gumbs took the opportunity to demonstrate the functioning of one of the simulators, as a manual or automatic vehicle, and the various functions of a number of related screens; the start-up button; simulation controls; and the teaching lessons and messages for driving students – all provided by a built-in virtual instructor either via screens or a headset. There are also such gadget systems for clutch, brakes, gas, gear indicator, rpm gauge and speedometer; headlights and buttons on the steering wheel for direction.
Mr. Gumbs was asked how his simulation driving training tied in with the road-testing system, for the issuing of licences, conducted by the Traffic Department of the Royal Anguilla Police Force.
“I am glad you asked because that is the beauty of this system,” he replied. “The way that my business model is set up is that I want everyone to pass with the highest marks as possible. But what I would like to generate and give to the police is the many times a person did the driving lessons and completed them, showing only the highest score… I don’t want anyone to come here thinking that it is a one-time only lesson. You can practice as many times as you would like until you feel comfortable with going on the road in an actual vehicle. That ties in with the police going with a driver to get a road user licence.”
Each of the two driving simulators costs about US$30,000 but, notwithstanding that price, Mr. Gumbs is prepared to charge some very moderate rates. “The lesson, in its totality, is seven hours at a cost of US $85 dollars” he disclosed. He added that even after the lesson period is completed that persons can still train for as many hours as they like if a slot is open.
Mr. Gumbs made available one of the company’s brochures to The Anguillian newspaper. It showed that the training simulators have 15 databases including highways, roundabouts, urban and rural environment and motorways. There are 50 individual lessons that cover vehicle control, traffic participation, adverse weather including lightning conditions; lessons in reverse parking; reversing around a corner; gear-changing; steering techniques; lane-changing; passing and overtaking vehicles; and the use of indicators.
The simulators also have provision for fearful drivers; fitness for driving test; driver rehabilitation; safety awareness; eco driving; simulation of alcohol impairment; and simulation of distracted driving.
The company’s brochure continued: “The business will operate as a driving instructional, rehabilitation and clinical study centre for people of all ages and from all walks of life. We aim to create confident and competent drivers with simulation in Anguilla. The vision is to become a simulation hub in the Caribbean using technology and simulation to limit human errors and expand creativity and productivity.”
Quinson is a graduate of the University of East London where he studied International Relations and Development. He is currently the Office Manager of his family’s Fair Play Commercial Complex and Insurance Company in The Valley; oversees the multiple tenants’ building, and assists with the day to day decision-making process of the complex.
His own new company adds much responsibility to his already busy tasks: “I am the owner and CEO of Simlife Studios and make all the executive decisions,” he told the newspaper. “Dionne Bryan, my fiancee, handles all the financials and I will be looking to bring on board one or two trainers, preferably bilingual trainers, when we are up and running, with the ability of speaking English and Spanish fluently. This is because I think there is a lack of involvement from the Spanish community when it comes to driving. I know they have their friends and get by, but if there is an instructor here who can explain to them the road signs in a language they are comfortable with, I think that would go a long way to making our roads safer to drive on.”
Among his plans is to meet with some physio-therapists, and medical facilities owners and managers in Anguilla, about using his simulators for physical therapy treatment for injured or otherwise sick patients – one of the features of his robust equipment.
Quinson has such a passion for simulators that one day he may even expand from those for road-driving to aircraft piloting. In fact, next to the two rooms, at Fair Play Commercial Complex, housing the simulators is a spare room. “I don’t know what I will use that for,” he remarked.
One day, however, it might house an aircraft piloting simulator – which is probably on his mind as well.
Quinson is one of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Quincy Gumbs of East End. Quincy is a well-known business pioneer in several areas of commercial and community life – and his wife, Mrs. Sonia Gumbs, and their children, are all partners in his business ventures. He is a daring and patriotic investor.
Quinson recalls his father telling him: “Son, if you believe in something – go for it.”
Simlife Studios, ‘with simulation as real as it gets,’ is one of the things he believes in – and has gone for.
