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From thebahamasweekly.com - Bahamian Politics
Statement by Hon. Neko Grant Minister of Public Works and Transport 15 March 2010 Road Traffic Safety
It is unfortunate that former Minister of Transport Mrs. Glenys Hanna Martin would brazenly mislead the Bahamian people about the FNM’s record on road safety. That she has done so while ignoring her own party’s weak record on road safety is disingenuous and disappointing.
Successive FNM governments have been aggressive and comprehensive in the area of road safety. Because of our commitment to the safety of pedestrians and motorists, the FNM has dramatically stepped up the surveillance of various traffic violations and the enforcement of related laws.
This was something in which the Christie administration and Mrs. Hanna Martin were lacklustre during their five years in office. Sadly, this is typical of the PLP. They never tire of commenting or giving speeches on various national issues. However, their words rarely lead to action. Road safety is but another example.
Because of their inability to lead, the PLP never got around to initiating and passing a seat belt law. It was the FNM that initiated and passed the new comprehensive seatbelt law in 2002. The law was passed after a year-long consultation process with the general public, insurance companies, car dealers and other stakeholders.
Following the passage of the 2002 law, it was the FNM that launched the initial programme to sensitize the public about seatbelt and road safety. One phase of that programme was a proactive measure geared towards promoting seatbelt use by drivers of government vehicles.
Because taxi drivers expressed concerns about the number of seatbelts in their cabs, the Government made arrangements with car dealerships to deal with this issue. These efforts led to a dramatic increase in the use of seatbelts by Bahamians. These efforts have saved lives and reduced injuries and harm caused by traffic accidents. Unfortunately, despite having a full five-year term to further the work begun by the FNM and stalled by the PLP, Mrs. Hanna Martin now seeks to exploit the tragedy of traffic deaths and accidents for political purposes.
Mrs. Hanna Martin appears to be embarrassed that the Ingraham administration is doing more on road safety than the former government, in which she had primary responsibility for road safety. This may be why she has conveniently ignored other elements of the FNM’s comprehensive approach to road safety.
In addition to stepped-up surveillance of traffic violations by the police, the Government has a continuous road safety programme that is communicated through radio, television, newspapers and billboards.
A critical component of our comprehensive road safety agenda is a massive refurbishment of roads left in decay by the PLP. Further, we are improving and rationalizing various traffic patterns. We have also dramatically enhanced road signage.
As Minister responsible for Public Works and Transport, I am particularly aware of the relationship between road safety and improved roads. This reality seems to have eluded Mrs. Hanna Martin and the PLP in office as well as in opposition.
One of our more comprehensive efforts with regard to road safety is the continuation of the major road corridor programme in New Providence. The FNM began this effort when we were last in government. We will seek to complete most of it during this term in office.
Our improvements in the public transport system are an additional element of our road safety efforts. The FNM will continue to build on our previous efforts in road safety. In short order, the public will be advised of additional steps to be taken with regard to our seatbelt laws.
When the history is written, it will be noted that it was the FNM that created and implemented the country’s first-ever seat belt laws. History will also record that while the PLP talked endlessly about road safety that their actions never caught up with their words.
I implore all Bahamians to drive safely and to abide by traffic laws, including the use of seatbelts. The FNM will continue to work to improve road safety throughout the country.
We invite the Opposition to join with us in reminding drivers of their responsibility to treat other motorists with courtesy, due care and attention. As previous safety campaigns have stressed, safety begins with each one of us.
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