John Myers, Jr., Staff Reporter
THE GOVERNMENT, in partnership with several private sector companies, is to spend an estimated $15 million on various projects islandwide to mark 'National Labour Day' on Monday, May 24.
Yesterday, Maxine Henry-Wilson, Minister of Education, Youth and Culture, officially unveiled the slate of activities at a function held at the Knutsford Court Hotel to mark the day. This year's theme is 'Road Safety. Avoid the Worst'.
The area in the vicinity of the Crescent Primary School in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, the Minister pointed out, has been selected as the national project for Labour Day. She explained that the site was chosen because "that stretch of road leading to the vicinity of the gorge is extremely dangerous to pedestrians, particularly to those who attempt to cross the road."
She further added: "It is a stretch of road on which motorists are inclined to speed even though it is a built-up area with a school. Overtaking, as we observed, creates another hazard for not just the drivers but for those attempting to cross."
The National Commercial Bank and the British Caribbean Insurance Company handed over cheques valued at $250,000 and $600,000 respectively towards the national project.
Other activities to be undertaken will include a public education campaign organised by the National Road Safety Unit, which will involve the use of a road safety mascot to assist in spreading the message.
These are in addition to the number of community projects to be done by various civic and community groups in collaboration with the Social Development Commission and the National Works Agency.
The agencies note that special emphasis on the painting and re-painting of over 80 pedestrian crossings islandwide. A Labour Day church service is to be held at the Christian Fellowship Outreach Centre on Dunrobin Avenue, St. Andrew, on Sunday, May 16, which will be followed by a Labour Day concert at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in the evening.
Among the slate of activities to be done at the site, estimated to cost in excess of $4.5 million, are:
The installation of two driver feedback signsThe construction of two bus sheds on both sides of the road near to the schoolThe relocation and painting of the pedestrian crossingThe installation of flashing signs at the pedestrian crossingThe construction of a bus bay to facilitate taxis and other public transportationInstallation of signs and painting of an unbroken line on the roadBeautification activities on the school.
