Transport Minister highlights importance of road safety

Pictured listening attentively in the audience is Immigration Director Jack Thompson (centre) along with representatives of the Road Traffic Department. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

Nassau, Bahamas –The importance of road safety cannot be overemphasized to a young audience, as far too many people are injured or die as a result of traffic injuries, said Public Works and Transport Minister the Hon. Neko C. Grant.

Mr. Grant was the keynote speaker at the 4th Annual National Road Safety Youth Symposium on Thursday, September 24, 2009, at Workers House.

The Road Traffic Department and Chevron Texaco Bahamas Limited organized the symposium. This year’s theme was “Road Safety: Focusing on the Road Ahead.”

Participants were junior and senior high students from public and private schools throughout New Providence.

The one-day workshop covered various aspects of road safety, including Factors that Contribute to Accidents (both passengers and drivers); Challenges Facing the Disabled in Relation to Road Safety; and Injuries Related to Traffic Accidents. 

Speakers included Iris Adderley, Consultant, Disability Affairs Unit, Ministry of Labour and Social Development; Sgt. Garland Rolle, Traffic Division, Royal Bahamas Police Force; Ms. Bodine Johnson, entertainer and teacher; and Keniesha Adderley, Texaco Youth Spokesperson.

Senior Government officials in attendance included Jack Thompson, Director of Immigration; Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works and Transport; Philip Turner, Controller of Road Traffic; and Brad Smith, Assistant Controller of Road Traffic.

Mr. Grant said according to the World Health Organization, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death globally among young persons between the ages of 10-14 years, 15-19 years and 20-24 years.

He noted that 45 traffic fatalities were recorded in The Bahamas during 2008, and 37 traffic fatalities have been recorded so far for 2009.

“It is our desire to reverse this trend,” said Mr. Grant. “And in this regard, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has sought to achieve this by advancing various road safety education initiatives while encouraging multi-sectoral partnerships in the process.”

He outlined some reasons why “strong multi-sectoral collaboration” is “vital” to the Ministry achieving its goals.

They include strengthening the awareness of safe use of the streets, greater insight into the context in which traffic accidents occur and contribution to the overall effectiveness and sustainability of programs that are implemented.

He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the National Road Safety Committee and the Road Traffic Department with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health.

He also expressed appreciation to Chevron Bahamas Limited, sponsor of the Symposium and a longstanding partner with the Road Traffic Department.

“Road Safety education must begin at an early age and the hosting of programs such as this symposium and other group discussions must become staples or standard occurrences throughout our country,” Mr. Grant said.

Mr. Grant told the students that the symposium is “significant” because they are the future of The Bahamas and assured them that the good choices they make today will contribute to their attainment of “healthy and responsible” adulthood tomorrow.

He encouraged the students to obey rules of their schools, rules set by their parents, and the rules of society, including road safety.

The symposium is the ‘brain child’ of former Road Traffic Controller Jack Thompson. It aims to educate and inform students throughout The Bahamas on road safety best practices.

By: Kathryn Campbell
Bahamas Information Services