Labour Day activities focusing on road safety

Road safety will be one of the focus areas for this year's Labour Day activities being organised by the Government.

Approximately 200 pedestrian crossings have been identified for refurbishing, with the most urgent ones to be done on the day. This was emphasised by Culture Minister Olivia Grange at a recent Jamaica Information Service 'Think Tank', held at the agency's head office in Kingston.

Labour Day will be observed on Tuesday, May 23, under the theme 'Plant a Tree for Life -- Promoting Climate Change Mitigation, Food Security and Road Safety'.

Grange said Labour Day will be used to highlight the importance of road safety, while describing this as "another important element of sustainable development".

"The high level of road fatalities continues to be of major concern and can only be lowered with the concerted effort of all Jamaicans, as most of the fatalities are avoidable," she said.

Consequently, the minister said citizens can participate in the erection of road signs and painting of pedestrian crossings, especially those situated near schools.

She informed that the National Road Safety Unit, in consultation with the National Works Agency (NWA) and the respective municipal corporations, will determine the pedestrian crossings to be refurbished on Labour Day.

"There is a list of pedestrian crossings that has been provided by the National Road Safety Council that are located near various schools across the island. You can assist in having those painted," Grange advised. However, she emphasised the importance of persons seeking approval from the NWA prior to painting crossings.

"Make contact with your parish National Works Agency [office], because there is a proper way to paint a pedestrian crossing," she said.

Grange also urged citizens "to reach out to the NWA and to the school principals, to indicate that you are willing and able to assist in the painting or repainting of the pedestrian crossings near your schools".