Deadly crash triggers call for prime minister to rollout school bus system

Two students of Lennon High School in Clarendon died from injuries sustained in an accident that occurred about 8:00 am along Bustamante Highway.

It is alleged that the driver of the ill-fated crash was speeding in an effort to elude members of the Transport Authority.

He fled the scene but was subsequently held at the Norman Manley International Airport while attempting to board a flight.

Three other students remain hospitalized with one in critical condition.

In a release this morning the NPTAJ President Stewart Jacobs, says it has been lobbying for a transportation system for schools since 2010 but its “lack of progress remains alarming”.

He said: “The NPTAJ strongly condemns the reckless and irresponsible driving displayed by many motorists, which continues to endanger lives on our roads. We are now urging the Honourable Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, to step in and take decisive action in prioritizing the establishment of a national school bus system. The loss of one life is one too many, and today, we mourn the futures of two promising young people senselessly cut short.

“Through your honourable office, Mr. Prime Minister, we respectfully request an audience with yourself and the Ministers of Education and Transport no later than Monday, December 9, 2024, as this matter is of critical national interest.'

“Swift action is necessary to protect the lives of our children - it is a matter of life and death. Concurrently, we appeal to the Police High Command to enforce stricter measures against reckless and careless motorists who disregard the rules of the road. Enough is enough. Too many families have suffered from the careless actions of those who show no regard for the sanctity of life.”
Meantime, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz told Radio Jamaica that he intends to submit, in a matter of days, a proposal on the implementation of a national rural bus system.

"I will be bringing to Cabinet on Monday a presentation for the proposed school bus transport system for students. On Monday I get further directives from Cabinet, at which point I will make public what the next steps are. But it remains a very, very serious priority for me as every day that it's not implemented the lives are at risk based on the transport methods," he said.

Opposition spokesperson on transport Mikhail Phillips has called on Minister Vaz to investigate whether or not the actions of the Transport Authority officers contributed to the fatal crash.
As a policy officers at the Transport Authority are prohibited from chasing motorists as this is deemed a high safety risk.

“The Transport Authority maintains a “no chase, no blocking” policy. The seizure of vehicles has also been elevated to rank of Area Supervisor in November of this year. This means Route Inspectors and Senior Inspectors cannot carry out seizures by themselves. Having said that, a report as to the cause of today’s accident has been requested,” Vaz later posted on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account.