‘I am a lifesaver out here’ - Volunteer traffic warden enjoys directing traffic in his community

At various times of the day, motorists and pedestrians travelling along Studley Park in Kingston will have an encounter with Telbert Morrison.

Dressed in a traffic vest which is sometimes complemented with white gloves, the 72-year-old has been directing traffic at the T-junction along Studley Park and Asquith Street for 12 years. His service is voluntary.

Morrison told THE STAR that he was inspired to direct the traffic following a serious accident more than a decade ago involving two Hiace buses.

"Although nobody never dead, it was a very serious one. Suh mi decide to just come out and help because 'round here suh is a blind spot. Up to Tuesday morning there was another big accident here and a just because I never come out as yet why it happen," he said.

The senior citizen said he volunteers 12 hours daily, rain or shine, to ensure that traffic runs smoothly.

"I am here from six in the morning until six in the evening. I don't get any salary from any official, is the motorists pass and help mi out. I am 72 years old and because of my age group, no one is going to employ me. So I do this to earn a dollar, but other than that, mi nuh like the accident dem ... suh mi a play mi part," Morrison said.

"People look forward to seeing me a daytime, even the police and soldier dem. Mi feel good when the motorists dem pass and tell mi say mi a do a good job. There used to be a stop sign out there suh and it not there any more, but even when it was there, accidents still used to happen because nobody wants to wait," he said.

Morrison told THE STAR that while he enjoys volunteering, there are times he wished he was getting a salary for his service.

"I would appreciate if mi would get a salary, because is a lot of politicians I direct them vehicle. Nuff a dem pass mi here, and the corners dem right here suh is blind. If I am not out here, every day there is going to be an accident. I am a lifesaver out here and I would like if I could get a salary down the line," Morrison said.