Author: Jamaica Live Medias

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Liberal Darling, Justin Trudeau, Caught in “Blackface”. Singing Jamaican Song in Afro.

Trudeau Begs Forgiveness. Say, "I am sorry"

Time Magazine broke the story, Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, wearing “Brownface" at an Annual Dinner & “Arabian Nights" themed costume party, at West Point Grey Academy, in the Spring 2001.
Time Magazine broke the story, Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, wearing “Brownface" at an Annual Dinner & “Arabian Nights" themed costume party, at West Point Grey Academy, in the Spring 2001.

Justin Trudeau, Canada's Liberal Prime Minister is embroiled is an ever evolving Racial Scandal.

On Wednesday, September 17, 2019. Time Magazine broke the story, Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, wearing “Brownface" at an Annual Dinner & “Arabian Nights" themed costume party, at West Point Grey Academy, in the Spring 2001. The photo shows The Prime Minister, then a 29 year old teacher, at the elite private school, dressed as Aladdin. He was wearing an extravagant robe, a bejeweled turban, and his face, neck and arms are covered in brown makeup.  This photo, of the Prime Minister in “brownface" was featured in the West Point Grey Academy 2000-2001, Yearbook.

Trudeau, sandwiched between what appears to be two Sikh men was uncovered from the schools website archives.

Additionally, a high school talent show photo was released showing a young Trudeau, in black face and an Afro. He admitted to Singing the Jamaican folk Song, “Day O" popularized by Harry Belafonte at the talent show. Then yet another grainy video, was released by Global News, showing a young Trudeau on the beach, sometime in the early 90s, again in blackface, and waving at the camera making silly faces.

Trudeau, in black face and an Afro singing the Jamaican folk Song, “Day O"
Trudeau, in black face and an Afro singing the Jamaican folk Song, “Day O"

The Response from the general public and politicians have been shock and disappointment. This is the last thing that anyone would think, would befall, such an ultra liberal leader. Trudeau has been a champion for many liberal causes, such as racial diversity and racial justice, climate change, woman’s equality, as well as immigration reform.

After, the release of the Time Magazine article, Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, held a press conference on his plane, while campaigning for re-election on Wednesday evening, to address the escalating scandal. Speaking to Reporters Trudeau admitted that it is him in the photos. He took full responsibility for his past behavior, said that he was completely wrong for his actions. He said he was disappointed in himself, while stating unequivocally that his actions were indeed racist, even if he didn't know it at the time. When pressed by reporters, if he should step down, or what should be the consequences for his racist past. Trudeau stressed the importance of moving forward, in leading the country. On several instances, Trudeau redirected the reporters to his record, championing policies that benefit minorities and that he  appointed a young and diverse cabinet. When asked, if there were other Incidents of Racist behavior in his past, that might be uncovered, the Prime Minister, said “I think it's been plenty.” And again apologized saying “These are situations that I regret deeply.” Then quickly ended the press conference.

Many politicians and citizens of color, express hurt and disappointment that the Prime Minister had engaged in behaviors that mock and insult people who are already marginalized. Blackface in particular, has such a sordid history of being used as a tool of white supremacy.

There are confusion among some people and many are left to wonder, who is the real Justin Trudeau. The caring, empathetic leader of The Liberal Party, or the racist, hurtful boy/man, seen in black/brown face. Trudeau is asking for forgiveness from the Canadian people. One incident of blatant racism, may have been forgivable, but, three separate incidents of black/brown face, in subsequent decades. The most recent, when he was working as a teacher, and should have been setting an example for impressionable youth, under his guidance.

Leisa Amore.

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Lightning Strikes Jamaican Prep-School Football Players Sending them to Hospital

Kingston, Jamaica Mon Sept 18, 2019

According to RJR News, On Monday September 16, the ISSA Schoolboy Football Manning Cup match involving Wolmer's Boys' School and Jamaica College came to an abrupt end following a lightning strike Monday afternoon.

According to reports, five players fell after a bolt of lightning during the second half of the match. At least three players - one from Wolmer's, the other from Jamaica College - were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

The three students reportedly complained about pain to the eyes. The video of the incident shows a flash, followed by several players falling onto the field.

One student was carried off the field on a stretcher as he did not respond to treatment on the field, according to Loop Jamaica.

Jamaican news outlet RJR reports that one student has since been released from the hospital.

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Crews in the Bahamas keep finding bodies. Can The Full Human Cost be Calculated?

Official Death Toll 50 but Bahamas say 2,500 people missing and death toll 'expected to significantly increase

Nearly, two weeks after Hurricane Dorian, (The most powerful hurricane ever to hit The Bahamas) the true human loss of life, remains unknown. Hurricane Dorian made landfall in The Bahamas, on Abaco Island on September 1, 2019, as a Category 5 storm, with sustained winds of 185/mph, and gusts up to 220/mph. This record breaking storm targeted, the two northernmost islands, in the archipelago, Abaco Island and Grand Bahama. Not only was this storm uncharacteristically strong, but it also uncharacteristically slow. As it remains stationary over these northern islands, for 48 hours, pounding them with high winds and high storm surges, destroying almost every structure in the process.

Rescuers carry a body found in the rubble. (Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post)

According to the Washington Post, the Bahamian government has been slow to raise its official death toll, which stood Monday September 9th in the evening at 50. The count did not include the bodies the teams on Great Abaco found during the day.

The Bahamas news media stated that Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingram suggested, that based on information he possess, hundreds of people have died. But, the police remained more conservative in their estimation. Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson stated at a Press Conference on Thursday, that the official death toll is currently 50 people, and number of missing people has been reduced to 1300, down from the previous 2500 estimation. This is due to officials cross referencing the list of missing people, with the people, who are in shelters on the island of New Providence, and also with the citizens who have been able to evacuate to The US, with temporary travel documents.

An aerial view of floods and damages from Hurricane Dorian on Freeport, Grand Bahama on September 5, 2019. (AFP/Getty)

Many residents, officials and rescue personnel fear that the true human costs, will be in the hundreds or even in the thousands. Many residents tell stories of bodies being swept away, in storm surges and flooding, during the storm. The residents evacuating Abaco Island and the rescue volunteers, all speaks about the overwhelming smell of death, in the air. Recovery efforts are complicated by debris of all kinds, in the roads, boats, cars, rooftops, flung around by this catastrophic storm. This makes it difficult to reach to certain areas. The Abaco Island seems to have sustained the most severe damage. The neighborhood of Marsh Harbor, which was a community of mostly undocumented Haitians immigrants, living in shantytowns, is where most of the destruction and death is concentrated. The Majority of the confirmed deaths, are from this enclave on Abaco Island. Additionally, many of the remaining Haitian residents, fear leaving the Island, due to their undocumented status.

It will be some time, before the true human loss of life is calculated. The Prime Minister, Hubert Minnis has called for a National Prayer Breakfast on September 18, to remember all the lives lost, and flags will be flown at half mast. It will take years for the country to recover from this  cataclysmic disaster.

Leisa Amore

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Is Rihanna Pregnant? Fans & Media in a Frenzy

Rihanna at the Annual, Diamond Ball.

New York City

Rihanna Fenty, The Bajan Pop Princess and Musical Icon bring the Internet in a frenzy after her appearance at her 5th annual Diamond Ball in New York City.

The "Rihanna Navy" went into a frenzy, in the last 24 hours, with rumors that The “Wild Thoughts” Singer, may be with-child. During an Interview with Essence Magazine on Thursday, September 12, to Commemorate her annual, Diamond Ball, Rihanna said “I am a black woman, I come from a black woman, who came from a black woman, who came from a black woman and I'm going to give birth to a black woman.”  The latter statement caused online pandemonium from Rihanna superfans. The reactions varied from shock, to joyful celebrations, to others upset that they weren't the father of the baby. Others  are excited for the "lucky child", who gets to have RiRi for a mom.

Rihanna, was asked by ESSENCE the importance of her standing up for black women? She responded, “ I mean, it doesn't even cross me in my mind like it is important for me to stand up for black women. I’m a black woman, I come from a black woman, who came from a black woman and I’m going to give birth to a black woman". “We are impeccable. We’re special and the world is just going to have to deal with that.”

Rihanna has been linked to billionaire boyfriend, Hassan Jameel, for a number of years now. However, he was coincidentally absent from Rihanna's Diamond Ball Event. Seth Myers hosted the Event, benefiting The Clara Lionel Foundation, which supports emergency programs around the world. In attendance were many celebrities, such as Cardi B, DJ Khaled and his pregnant wife, Meek Mill, Big Sean and many others. Pharrell also performed with Rihanna. Rihanna looked Fabulous in a black, Givenchy Creation, which accentuated her curves, further fueling The Rumors.

TMZ, however, claims that insiders close to Rihanna denied the pregnancy rumour, saying “sorry, she's not pregnant”.

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War on dancehall? Jamaican Dancehall Industry Crying Foul

Kingston, Jamaica. September 12, 2019

The argument that there is a “war on dancehall” has been going on for decades.

There is no doubt there is a divide among the Political Establishment and the Dancehall Industry. At The Heart of this divide, The Noise Abatement Act of 1997. The law was enacted to protect citizens who argued that the dancehall music was disturbing their sleep. The law is to control noise by amplified sound beyond 100 meters from the source. It sets time limits for all events, which involves loud speakers playing music or loud speech. These events must be “shut off” by midnight on weekdays and 2:00 am on weekends.

There have been varying degrees of enforcement by the police over the years. The Jamaica Observer reported on a specific incident, where a promoter invited a reporter backstage, to witness first-hand, several police officers, demanding bribes, not to lock off the dance.

Lately, there is a new enforcement in the law. There are unconfirmed reports, that the police are confiscating DJs laptops and other expensive equipment, and destroying properties, in the process.

Many celebrities, politicians and ordinary citizens speaking publicly about this hot button issue. Prime Minister Holness spoke on the issue saying in part,” It could never be the intention of the government, to in any way stifle the culture, which is necessary for development of our people”. He continued, “We hear the cries of the entertainment community.  We hear the cries of the dancehall community. We hears the cries of the artists, the entertainers and the sound system operators. But as the society evolves, as the society grows we must find a consensus on order”.

According to reports, a meeting was held at popular dancehall location in Kingston, between the police and dancehall community on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 to discuss a path forward. The discussion was moderated by author, Michael Dawson. Also in attendance was Ricky Trooper, Dancehall Queen Carlene, Professor Donna Hope, TV Personality Winford Williams, along with Promoters, Dancers, Club/ Bar Owners and other interested individuals.

Members of the dancehall community reportedly expressed frustration that politicians over the years have failed to address the issue. There have been lots of empty promises and no real meaningful Change. The consensus coming out of the meeting was that (1) there is an Overwhelming need to unite, all the separate entities that depend on The Dancehall Industry. (2) There's a need to create an organization that can form a lobbying group, in which to advocate for the protection everyone involves, from the big promoters to peanut vendors.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says, however, that he spoke to Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia "Babsy" Grange about allocating special entertainment zones where dancehall can go on from dust until dawn. These zones will have security, parking and all amenities needed to accommodate the dancehall culture.

Leisa Amore

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San Francisco City Leaders Declare NRA ‘A Domestic Terrorist Organization’

National Rifle Association a domestic terrorist organization

San Francisco officials have officially deemed the National Rifle Association a "domestic terrorist organization."

SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco officials have officially deemed the National Rifle Association a "domestic terrorist organization." The Board of Supervisors passed a resolution on Tuesday, urging other cities, states and the federal government to pass similar measures.
NRA

The Board of Supervisors passed a resolution on Tuesday September 3. 2019, urging other cities, states and the federal government to pass similar measures.

Supervisors say more than 36,000 people die in the United States because of gun violence every year.

The resolution states the NRA uses its wealth and influence to promote gun ownership and spread propaganda. It even accuses the organization of inciting gun owners to acts of violence. Supervisors are vowing to limit city and county business with groups that support the NRA.

The NRA said in a statement: "This is just another worthless and disgusting 'soundbite remedy' to the violence epidemic gripping our nation. The same kind of attack the NRA has confronted in New York. This is a reckless assault on a law-abiding organization, its members, and the freedoms they all stand for. We remain undeterred - guided by our values and belief in those who want to find real solutions to gun violence."

While the vote was mostly symbolic, city officials were ordered to “take every reasonable step to limit” business interactions with the NRA and its supporters.

According to CBS News, the resolution from the board of supervisors — and 11-member legislative group representing the city and county — is mostly symbolic, and does not have a direct impact on local policy.

Supervisor Catherine Stefani, whose district includes the Marina and Presidio neighborhoods, sponsored the resolution because of federal inaction in the wake of a mass shooting in nearby Gilroy where a gunman opened fire at the city’s famed Gilroy Garlic Festival, slaying three, injuring 20 before killing himself.

Since the late July shooting, there have been mass shootings in El Paso, Dayton and in Texas.

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Good News! 37 Jamaicans Celebrating their New Homes!

St. Catherine, Jamaica: On July 26, 2019, 37 Jamaicans became homeowners due to the National Housing Trust Jamaica (NHT). The 37 beneficiaries were given keys to their homes in the Spanish Ridge housing scheme in St. Catherine.

This housing scheme is located in the community of Kitson Town and is about 15 minutes away from the parish’s capital, Spanish Town. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness said of this milestone “NHT is following the mandate that they have been giving which is build house, build house, build house and don’t stop build house because that is the only way, friends, that we are going to address the issue of irregular settlement of land in Jamaica. We have to get ahead of the demand for housing solutions. And, we have to make sure that the housing solution is affordable and that we build solutions that meet the market segment demand and that is what is the NHT is doing.”

37 Jamaicans Celebrating their New Homes!

The Spanish Town Ridge housing scheme consists so far of four premium serviced lots at the cost of $3.7 million each; and three regular serviced lots for  $2.8 million each, 12 one-bedroom units for $10 million each and 18 two-bedroom units at a cost of $12 million each. Since 2017, the NHT began 11,198 housing solutions, which surpasses what was done for the 4 years prior.  2,689 more units will be added by month’s end.

Martin Miller, Managing Director of the NHT, said to the new homeowners:

“Owning real estate is just one step. You need to protect your real estate. You must ensure that the entire community is protected; work together, grow each other's family, see yourself as your brother's keeper.”Holness advised the new homeowners to make this housing scheme a “model community”. He mentioned that the Spanish Ridge already has its own homeowners committee and added that this shows how ready the owners are to improve their community, safeguard their assets while maintaining their peace of mind.

The executive body of the Spanish Ridge housing scheme stated that they are extremely delighted for the opportunity to be given their own keys and that owning a new home is “a sign of prosperity”.

“It is our duty as a Government to ensure the process of owning a home is easy and affordable. We are demonstrating the fulfillment of this commitment by breaking ground and building a record number of units in the last 3 years,” Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness stated on his Facebook Page.

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Dancehall Artist Cecile Now Children’s Author of a book that features a Jamaican mermaid

Kingston, Jamaica:

As the world becomes more diverse so are children's books. Authors are crossing borders and letting children know that they can truly be anything they want to be. Your race, background or any other societal labels doesn't have to stop you from reaching the stars, climbing the highest mountain or conquering the deepest sea.  Cecile Claudine Charlton, popularly known as Dancehall artist Cecile, is one such creative inspiring children to be any and every type of greatness with her upcoming debut children’s book, “Oceana Adventures of a Jamaican Mermaid”.

Dancehall Artist Cecile Now Children's Author of a book that features a Jamaican mermaid

This book features Oceana, a black Jamaican mermaid who is from one of the oldest parishes of Jamaica, St. Thomas. Oceana loves Reggae music and adventures. When asked what inspired her, Cecile replied “I was inspired by the idea that my daughter should have a character that she could see herself in. My friend Kasi and I had been discussing the fact that all the characters the kids look up to or like didn’t look like them. I, not only wanted her to see herself in such a character but could also be able to relate to this character in terms of geography and music.”

It’s no doubt that representation matters and Jamaicans are just not represented well enough in popular books and media. It is no surprise that Jamaican children look up to and adore famous Disney characters such as Elsa from “Frozen” and Ryder from “Paw Patrol”. The books that sell out often in local books stores are often international bestsellers. Though there are more books written by local authors now than prior years, there’s still much more rooms for fictional stories with Jamaicans being the main characters.

Jamaica Live asked Cecile what impact will “Oceana Adventures of a Jamaican Mermaid” have on Jamaica and the world?

“If the kids are like my child, they will love it along with everything else they know. This is not about excluding them from anything. It’s more about including something that’s “of them”. As for everyone else, I have no idea what the impact will be but I’ve never dreamt small. Reading taught me from I was a child that you can achieve anything so I am thinking all types of greatness here,” she said.

Cecile Poses with her daughter Nana.

It took Cecile a week to complete this book. However, the ideas swirled around in her head for weeks before she committed it to paper. “Oceana Adventures of a Jamaican Mermaid” will be released very soon and will be available on several platforms. There will be also be branded Oceana items such as swim caps and swimsuits designed by Cecile’s daughter, Nana. There’s already a t-shirt branded "Rock By Nana” available on Amazon. Follow @badgyalcecile for updates.

Rock By Nana Shirt

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Over 1700 Dead from Ebola Virus. Jamaica Activates Its Ebola Virus Disease Response Plan

A worker of the Democratic Republic of Congo Health Ministry checks people’s temperature in Goma

Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa: In 1976, the Ebola virus was discovered near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The name "Ebola virus" is derived from the Ebola River—a river that was at first thought to be in close proximity to the area in Democratic Republic of Congo, previously called Zaire, where Ebola virus outbreak occurred.

Since that discovery, there have been several outbreaks with the latest currently happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

On July 17, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Ebola a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This is a treaty intended to “prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease”.

There are currently over 2500 people infected, with 1700 of that number dying from the disease thus far. It has been reported that there are about 12 new cases daily. Currently, there is no cure for Ebola.

 HOW IS EBOLA TRANSMITTED? 

According to the World Health Organization, Ebola is an airborne disease. It is actually contracted through close and direct physical contact with infected bodily fluids, the most infectious being blood, feces, and vomit. The virus has also been found in urine, semen and breast milk. Ebola virus can persist in semen for at least 70 days in a male who’s recovering. Saliva and tears may also present some risk. Humans are not the only ones spread Ebola. It can be transmitted from an infected animal such as fruit bat or monkey.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF EBOLA?

The symptoms take 2-21 days to appear after being infected. In the early stages, Ebola mimics Flu symptoms. As it worsens, It causes bleeding from the nose, ears, eyes and inside the body. Some may experience bloody diarrhea and or rashes. Ebola is considered to be severe especially due to, dehydration, blood loss or multiple organ failure it brings. The last major outbreak in West Africa killed over 11,000 people.

HOW IS EBOLA PREVENTED?

 Currently, there is no cure for Ebola. Researchers are working on this. The best way to prevent Ebola is to stay away from infected areas and infected humans as well as animals that could possibly carry the virus.

HOW IS DRC HANDLING THIS CURRENT OUTBREAK?

It was reported that Oly Ilunga, health minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo resigned on July 22, 2019, in protest of the president’s handling of the Ebola crisis. He said in his letter to DRC President Félix Tshisekedi that “as a result of your decision to oversee the response to the Ebola epidemic, and because I anticipate that this decision will inevitably lead to a predictable outcry, I submit to you my resignation as Health Minister.”

He also claimed that information was hidden about plans to release an experimental vaccine in DRC. Said vaccine has been given to 161,000 people and is said to be 97% effective. The vaccine, however, is given to those who have had direct contact with someone infected with Ebola. As mentioned in the earlier part of the article, over 2500 people infected, with 1700 of that number dying from the disease thus far. It has been reported that there are about 12 new cases daily.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT THE CARIBBEAN?

Goma, a city that provides a doorway to the rest of the world, has its first confirmed case. This city holds about 2 million people. Therefore, the outbreak finding its way to other countries including the Caribbean is possible. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is urging regional countries to broaden their surveillance at ports of entry. Jamaica’s national Ebola Virus Disease Response Plan has been started up by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Jamaica’s Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton stated:

“Given the relatively robust surveillance and infection prevention and control practices in Jamaica, the public can be reassured that the current emergency response arrangements are in place to enable an appropriate response in the event of the introduction of the Ebola virus disease into the country.

The Ministry will also be ensuring capacities for the readiness which includes addressing stock levels of critical equipment and supplies, protocols for specimen and patient transportation and reporting requirements.”

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Traffic deaths out of control in Jamaica prompted Damian Marley to write song “Reach Home Safe”

Kingston Jamaica: According to the Road Safety Unit in the Ministry of Transport, the latest report indicates that 236 people have died in 216 crashes. This shows a shocking increase of 24 percent when compared to last year's statistics of the same period. There were 38 road deaths in February; 36 in January; 35 in March and 32 in June. 76 motorcyclists have died since January 1, 2019. Based on the latest figures released by the Road Safety Unit in the Ministry of Transport, it can be concluded that Jamaica is averaging 39 road deaths monthly.

police officer examing a vechile following a crash

Since this past weekend, five more Jamaicans did not reach home safely. Report shows two persons died on Saturday July 13/2019 in Priory, St. Ann due to a minibus crashing into Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus. Two persons died the night prior along the Palisadoes Road in East Kingston when a motor crashed with a Knutsford Express bus. That same night a car hit a pedestrian along Mountain View Avenue. These additional fatalities now bring the figure to 241 road deaths.

Mini bus crashes into JUTC bus

The report stated that human activity rather than mechanical defects contributes to the high number of road fatalities each year. The report also indicates that the main factors are that drivers are speeding, many driving under the influence of alcohol, others overtaking irresponsibly and being distracted by the use of cell phones while in motion. Drivers and passengers are also refusing to use their seat-belts and motorists are failing to use proper helmets and gears. However, it is not just drivers that are dying due to road accidents. Road Safety Unit stated that pedestrians account for a third of road traffic fatalities.

The high number of road deaths has prompted Damian “Junior Gong” Marley to dedicate a single titled “Reach Home Safe” that speaks to one of the possible causes. According to Highway 2000 East-West and the Road Safety Unit , drunk driving or driving under the influence of alcohol is one driver error identified as a possible cause of road accidents.

Damian “Junior Gong” Marley:

Mek up mi mind say tonight mi decide fi party
And dat mean say none of my friend dem can't party harder than me
Cause who the hell unnu expect fi drive
Like dem want gamble with we life
And me want each and every one of my parry fi

Reach home safe!
Dat a the most import thing
Cause mi love my family
Reach home safe!
No bother with the driving when you a drink
And go tear down golden springs

A couple of months ago, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness appealed to motorists to exercise greater care when it came using the roads. He stated at the launch of Workers' Week and Labour Day 2019 activities at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in May that it is “driver error, driver judgment and driver indiscipline” that contribute mainly to motor crashes. The Road Safety unity has released several safety guidelines so that fatalities can be avoided once these necessary steps are taken. Some of these are:

Tips for Motorists to Stay Safe

  • Do not exceed the prescribed speed limit.
  • Do not drive after drinking or using mind-altering substances such as drugs or alcohol.
  • Commercial entities can install alcolocks in motor vehicles to ensure the safety of their driver and merchandise
  • Wear seatbelts, front seat and back seat passengers should practice this behaviour.
  • Adhere to seatbelt warning signals.
  • Try to minimize distractions. Avoid using DVD players and cell phones while driving.
  • Do not drive if feeling tired or haven't slept in the last 18 hours.
  • Pedestrians are unable to judge speed and distance. Motorists should ensure they look out for them especially the children.
Minibus that crashed into JUTC bus

Tips for Pedestrians to Stay Safe:

  • Cross at spots where there are stop signs, traffic lights, crosswalks and where all vehicular traffic is visible.
  • Stay on the sidewalk (if available) when walking. If there are no adequate sidewalks, walk on the right side against traffic so you can see motorists oncoming.
  • Don't use cellphones or other distracting gadgets such as MP3's when walking.
  • Staying alert for vehicles turning, vehicle running the red light. Do not start to cross until all traffic has stopped.
  • When crossing at locations without signals, cross the street one lane at a time. Cross into the next lane only when it is safe to do so.
  • Look right, left and then right again for traffic before crossing a crosswalk. Never assume that a vehicle is going to stop for you.
  • Wear light or bright coloured clothing at night, avoid dark coloured clothing, especially at dusk and at nights.
  • Use pedestrian overhead bridges where provided.
  • When travelling in large groups walk in a single file (one behind the other) along the roadway if no sidewalk is available.

Pedestrian of different ages are at risk in different situations and for different reasons as follows:

Age of Pedestrian Risk Factors
 1 to 2 years Reversing or backing-up
3 to 9 years Dart out - don't know the rules
10 to 14 years Dart out - know the rules but don't always follow them
Adults Alcohol/Drugs/Inattention/Distraction

Road Safety Tips for Children and Parents

  • Look right, left, right again before crossing the road. Wait for vehicles on both sides of the road to stop before you cross.
  • Cross at pedestrian crossings and traffic signals where they are available.
  • Wait until the motor vehicles stop before entering the roadway.
  • Do not play near or the roadway.
  • Walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic if there is no sidewalk.
  • Walk in a single file when walking with a group of friends where there is a narrow or no sidewalk.
  • Always wear a helmet, elbow, and knees pads when riding a bicycle.
  • If a child is a pillion passenger ensure that the child is wearing a well-fitted motorcycle helmet.
  • All persons including children are prohibited from riding/ hoping on the rear of large vehicles such as buses or vans.

 

We, at Jamaica Live, would like all Jamaicans to “reach home safe” so please adhere to the road codes, rules, and safety guidelines.

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