by Donella Hosten
The Traffic Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has joined forces with other stakeholders to form a Traffic Advisory Body (TAB).
Members of TAB are Raquel Pivott-Stewart; Sargeant Ryan Smith; ASP Linford Kingston; Royston La Hee; Glen James; Inspector Gillean Thomas, Dr Sonia Nixon, Senior Medical Officer, Ministry of Health; Inspector Randel Baptiste and Cecil Edwards. Spokespersons for TAB are Richardo Keens-Douglas and Deleon Walters.
During the official launch on Thursday, 11 January 2018, officer in charge of the Traffic Department, ASP Linford Kingston revealed that due to the increase in road fatalities and serious accidents, the RGPF invited stakeholders with interests in road safety to form a voluntary arm known as the Traffic Advisory Body. “The formation of this body is in keeping with the RGPF’s community policing philosophy, a philosophy that promotes proactive policing through improved working relationships between the police and community members, aimed at reducing crime and other infractions of the law.”
The main functions of the body will include advising the Traffic Department on road safety matters, improving the efficiency and effectively manage traffic. According to Kingston, they believe this partnership will increase their efficiency.
An audio presentation by Dr Sonia Nixon highlighted how road accidents can be costly to everyone involved. Chairperson Raquel Pivott-Stewart said having recognised the increase in avoidable traffic accidents, the RGPF saw the need to partner with persons involved with road safety to form this voluntary arm, to lower the numbers of accidents in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
She added that the body will be able to make recommendations which will go through the Traffic Department of the RGPF, then to the Transport Board for consideration and implementation. They will identify areas where traffic lights, traffic signs, pedestrian crossings and other road markings may be required. The body will also engage in public awareness programmes for schools and communities, as well as identify issues affecting traffic management and other services, including the enhancement of motor vehicle inspection process.
The TAB logo was designed by students Tryes Belle of Happy Hill Secondary School and Delonya Francis of South St George Government School.
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Interesting, I also have an interest in road safety in Grenada where “right foot down” seems to be the order of the day, irrespective of road and weather condition, school children or de-bushing gangs on the roadside. I obviously didn’t get my invitation to join or participate in the “Traffic Advisory Body”. It would be interesting to establish how many of the members have international experience..
The Grand Poobah…I concur with your comments. Enforcement of the Laws as it stands in relation to motorised vehicles would certainly be a good starting point. Let’s face it. its not rocket science..
I also note that one of the recommendation would likely be the enhancement of the current vehicle inspection process.. Is this another way of raising extra revenue through the licencing fee. Personally, I believe i’m paying far too much already for someone to tell me “pull on my handbrake, sound my horn and switch on my lights and indicator. have I missed any? Oh yes, release the bonnet… Whats about the poorly adjusted headlights, that at night shine directly into the vision of the driver of oncoming vehicles. also the 100 watt bright light from vehicles that drivers refuse to dim when approaching oncoming vehicles. I guess its all down to education, being aware and showing some degree of concern to fellow motorists..Are these qualities lacking among certain motorists in Grenada?
This is the height of absurdity! An excellent place to start would be to start enforcing the Laws already existing! It is clear to everyone (except perhaps the Traffic Department) what needs to be done – everything! If what we have to endure daily is the best that the Traffic Department can produce, then the place to start is to replace every one of the existing members – starting from the TOP.
P.S. Enforcing the existing traffic Laws would go a long way to addressing Grenada’s revenue challenges!