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MTW/NWA/MONEYGRAM PEDESTRIAN CROSSING PROJECT LAUNCHED

Minister Pickersgill looking at the pedestrian sign surrounded by students from Gaynstead High School.

An islandwide project which will see some 357 pedestrian crossings being upgraded, was launched on Wednesday, February 15, 2006, courtesy of MoneyGram in association with the Ministry of Transport and Works and the National Works Agency.

MoneyGram has adopted the crossings and sponsored the project to the tune of J$23M. This amount will be used to place ‘Pedestrian Crossing’ and ‘Pedestrian Crossing Ahead’ signs at each designated location. Additionally, ‘Children Crossing’ signs will be installed within the vicinity of schools. MoneyGram has also undertaken to sponsor the re-marking of pedestrian crossings and stop bars using thermoplastic at locations where that is required. At each crossing adopted by MoneyGram, the company will be allowed to place their logo on the signs erected along with the ‘Sponsored By MoneyGram’ message.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Robert Pickersgill said, “As Minister, I have become very concerned about the state of our Pedestrian Crossings. I have …observed that many of the crossings are in need of re-painting and in some instances additional signs. I can tell you that we are about to undertake a major effort to improve pedestrian safety islandwide…this agreement between the NWA and MoneyGram International is therefore timely.”

For his part, Caribbean Regional Manager of MoneyGram, Mr. Steve Higgins said, “ Our goal was to help increase road safety awareness for the many Jamaicans walking along or across Jamaica’s roads. Working closely with governmental officials, we were able to pinpoint many crossings near schools, hospitals and government buildings where crossing signs could help us increase safety awareness.”

After the launching ceremony which took place at the layby adjacent to the Bustamante Children’s Hospital on Arthur Wint Drive, the first signs which have been erected on Arthur Wint Drive, were unveiled. In attendance at the function, were the Matron of the Bustamante Childrens’ Hospital, Mr. Julian Robinson who represented the Minister of Education, Hon. Maxine Henry Wilson, principal of Gaynstead High School, Executive Director of the National Road Safety Council, Mrs. Paula Fletcher as well as other officials from MoneyGram, NWA and the Ministry of Transport and Works.