A closer view of students from Merl Grove High crossing the ultra busy Constant Spring Road in St Andrew. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

What's Not Working?

For some students of Merl Grove High School in St. Andrew, crossing the dangerously busy Constant Spring Road, where their school is located, is risky business. The girls said that the walk sign simply does not allow enough time for their safe crossing.

Euriel Moulton, the traffic attendant responsible for getting students across the busy street, echoed the same concern. He pointed out that the short time frame allotted for pedestrians' crossing and the indiscipline of some motorists in obeying traffic signals, are a sure-fire recipe for tragedy. Also, the pedestrian crossing needs to be painted or repainted.

Synopsis of the Situation:

After young Shakara Harris, a Merl Grove student, was fatally struck down at the entrance of her school in January 2004 by a motorist who failed to stop after she was attempting to cross Constant Spring Road, the National Works Agency (NWA) intalled a pedestrian crossing system at the intersection of Constant Spring Road and Gore Terrace.

But Mr. Moulton and the students are not comfortable with the current system. "I need more time to get the students across the street. That's the issue. The walk sign is not giving me enough time to make it across," he explained.

Merl Grove High students Garieka Godfrey and Yazmin Tyndall said that oftentimes they witness motorists disobeying the commands of the walk signal or just driving off once they get the green light, without any regard for the students who are still making their way across the street.

Who's Responsible?

The National Works Agency.

What's the Status?

A representative, speaking on behalf of Stephen Shaw, communications manager at the NWA, said the agency is aware of the situation and will be investigating the matter.

In September 2004, Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Housing, Transport, Water and Works, said that plans were afoot to secure funds for the construction of an overhead pedestrian bridge.

At that time, Dr. Alfred Sangster, chairman of the Merl Grove High School board of management, said the bridge was currently being designed by students of the University of Technology.

Conclusion:

We urge the NWA to remember Shakara Harris. Please remember how her young life was brought to an abrupt end. Please, remember the pain and heartache that her family, friends and schoolmates had to endure.

We also urge Minister Pickersgill to remember the words he uttered about securing funding for the construction of the overhead bridge. Do not renege on that pledge, Mr. Pickersgill. The lives of many young Jamaican girls depend on it.

While looking into the issue of the crossing system affecting Merl Grove High students, the NWA should take a look at the crossing conditions at the intersection of Eastwood Park and North Odeon avenues, as well as the intersection of Constant Spring Road and South Odeon Avenue.

The reality is this: there are schoolchildren, elderly citizens and disabled persons using the streets. Let us not wait on another Shakara Harris incident to address the issue and then regret how tragic it was. People should not have to stand at a pedestrian crossing fearing that a failed attempt to cross the street will result in their crossing over into the next life.

We recognise and respect the fact that lengthy delays at stop lights can cause traffic jams, but we must strike a balance where people are safe and motorists can go about their business in good time. We cannot sacrifice one for the other.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Tell us about problems in your community. We will visit and help to lobby for action. Write to: Tyrone Reid, the Gleaner Company Ltd., 7 North Street, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or Email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.