Transport Minister Commits to Safe Road Conditions
By: , June 10, 2017The Key Point:
Photo: Mark Bell
Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Lester ‘Mike’ Henry (2nd left) and Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley (right), listen to Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association President (JGRA), Mr. Philip Chong (left), ahead of the JGRA Road Safety Month launch, on June 7, at the Washington Boulevard Texaco Gas Station, in Kingston. At third left is Executive Director of the National Road Safety Council, Mrs. Paula Fletcher.The Facts
- “I recognise the responsibility of Government and certainly that of the Ministry of Transport and Mining. We must determine inconsistencies between road conditions and safety standards within the traffic environment and attend to them,” he emphasised, adding that the well-being of Jamaicans and visitors is of paramount importance.
The Full Story
Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Mike Henry, says the Ministry is committed to ensuring that the conditions under which persons traverse the nation’s roads are safe.
Speaking at the Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association (JGRA) Road Safety Month launch at the Washington Boulevard Texaco Station on June 7, the Minister said that it is important for the Government to create a suitable environment for safe passage for all road users.
“I recognise the responsibility of Government and certainly that of the Ministry of Transport and Mining. We must determine inconsistencies between road conditions and safety standards within the traffic environment and attend to them,” he emphasised, adding that the well-being of Jamaicans and visitors is of paramount importance.
“As a Government, our aim is to make you travel as safe and enjoyably as possible, and while we keep a strict focus on the drivers, especially the wayward ones, we must equally ensure that the conditions in which they operate are safe,” he noted.
The Minister pointed out that Jamaica had signed on to the United Nations Decade of Action in 2011.
“We committed ourselves to reduce road fatalities by 50 per cent by 2020 and to create thoroughfares that are user-friendly,” he explained.
“We are serious about this commitment and we need everyone to get on board. If you are a corporate entity and you are not yet on board, I await your call with great expectancy,” Mr. Henry said.
He acknowledged the efforts of the JGRA in partnering with the Ministry to bring the Road Safety message to all road users, stressing that it is important to have the full support of all Jamaicans.