NEWS ON THE GO

Weekends deadly for road users

Saturdays and Sundays continue to be the days on which most crashes and death occur. Statistics from the Road Safety Unit indicate that of the 307 road deaths thus far this year, 122 have taken place on both days.

The least road deaths have occurred on Wednesdays, 30, and Mondays, 35.

Kenute Hare, director of the unit, says persons, particularly motorists and pedestrians, should exercise greater caution on the roads.

“We are appealing to drivers to cut their speed and look out for vulnerable road users. Never overtake at a bend or at a junction or unnecessarily; never drive in a manner that will prove offensive to other road users,” he said.

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G2k wants rating system for plumbing and appliances

Generation 2000 (G2K), the young professional affiliate of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is calling on the Bureau of Standards to develop local water efficiency standards and ratings for plumbing and appliances.

Stephen Edwards, president of G2K, said “…that standard has to be developed so that we can label our products based on water efficiency, so that you arm the consumer with the information to make the right choice that will not only be beneficial to the environment but beneficial to their pockets as well.”

The call was made at the organization’s policy forum, entitled Water Management – A Partnership in Climate Change Resilience, which was held at the Spanish Court Hotel last Thursday.

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Sexual offences dominate St Catherine Circuit list

More than 250 cases, the majority of which are sexual offences such as rape, having sex with a person under 16 years old and incest are on the list to be tried in the Michel Mass session of the St Catherine Circuit which opened yesterday.

It is to be presided over by Justice Christine McDonald, who will conduct trials, and Justice Cresencia Brown-Beckford, who will handle pleas and case management.

Attorney-at-law Christopher Townsend, who spoke on behalf of the private bar, said that he and his colleagues will cooperate fully for the smooth and timely delivery of Justice.

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Tufton wants public help to fight dengue epidemic

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton say public education is critical to fighting the dengue epidemic.

“Places that were normally risky are now risk factors. We also have to ensure that we sensitise and educate the public, so that persons can know what to do in their immediate environment,” he said.

The minister said it is important that Jamaicans be better informed as to the role they must play in the fight to prevent the spread of dengue.

“We continue to believe that the best form of response to the dengue alert is through public education and public action. We take the issue of dengue very seriously and will continue to do that,” Tufton.

In August, the minister said that since start of the year, there have been 21 suspected and confirmed dengue-related deaths, and Jamaica continues to see an increase in cases.

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Roads to be repaired at retirement disposal site

Local Government and Community Development Minister Desmond McKenzie has announced plans for the repairs of 1,500 metres of roadway leading to the Retirement disposal site in Granville, St. James.

The minister also said that a designated cell for the housing of tyres will be created at the facility.

The initiatives, he said, are to help the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) better position to respond to any possible outbreak of fire.

McKenziesaid that drainage pipes will be installed on the dump to facilitate the movement of water around the facility.