JSIF hands over safe passage project in St James

Chairman of the board of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) Dr Wayne Henry, says road safety is a cause for national concern as hundreds of Jamaicans, including children, continue to lose their lives annually in road accidents.

Dr Henry said that in 2021, 484 persons lost their lives on the nation’s roads, noting that this was the highest number in the last 10 years.

“Sixty-two percent of those persons were what the Road Safety Unit would classify as vulnerable road users,” he noted.

“These include motorcyclists, pedal cyclists, pillion riders and of course pedestrians. Of this number, some 20 per cent of the fatalities were pedestrians. This group of pedestrians includes an even more vulnerable group… our children. Last year the Road Safety Unit up to June 2021, recorded that nine children died while navigating their way on our roads.”

Dr Henry, who was speaking at the official handing over ceremony of the Salt Spring Safe Passage Project at the Salt Spring Primary School, St. James on Thursday (January 27), said it had become clear that something must be done to remedy the situation and JSIF was all in on doing its part.

“The Safe Passage project is an intervention to support the safe commute of children to and from school, using specific roadways and throughfares. The project has already been implemented in eight schools across Jamaica under the first phase of the Integrated Community Development Project [ICDP], which was funded by the World Bank,” he added.

“Building on the success of Phase 1, the Safe Passages Project is now being implemented under the Government of Jamacia’s ICDP II project in [other] communities – Salt Spring and Anchovy in St James, Treadlight in Clarendon and Greenwich Town in August Town, St Andrew” 

Dr Henry further explained that the Safe Passage in Salt Spring boasts all the features which have become synonymous with this project, adding that at a cost of 14 million dollars, 400 metres of sidewalk was constructed with safety guard rails and school traffic signs were installed along with a pedestrian crossing.

“Additionally, two bus sheds were constructed, the school fencing was rehabilitated and replaced with a block wall structure with murals depicting messages on road safety,” he added.

“The project, however, does not stop with the infrastructure but also includes a comprehensive public education and road safety programme, including staff, students, residents, transport providers and other road users, educating them on proper road usage.

“This project is a true testament of stakeholders coming together for the greater good of our country. It is my hope that this Safe Passage programme will have the outcome of providing safe commute for students, staff and other pedestrians in partnership with the wider community and other stakeholders,” Dr Henry said.

“I am proud today to be a part of the handing over of this well needed project to the Salt Spring Primary and Infant school, which will not only serve the school and neighbouring public health centre, but the general residents of Salt Spring.

“I implore you as teacher, parents and caregivers to maintain this Safe Passage to the best of your ability, so that it will not only serve your children but also the next generation,” he further added.

-JIS NEWS-

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