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Blues_Pirate
Member posted on Sunday, November 08, 2009 - 07:28 pm
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Post Number: 1289
Registered: 08-2006
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I am still hoping that Carey posts to this thread considering his direct involvement and business interest in the issue and particularily since he was kind enough to contribute to previous threads on this forum.
Inside every older person is a younger person wondering 'What the heck happened?'
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Rob Graves
Moderator posted on Sunday, November 08, 2009 - 07:34 pm
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Post Number: 2194
Registered: 08-2006
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Bruce,
It was not meant as a condescending comment, but to let people know that this problem has been known about for quite a while, has been researched and appropriate solutions are already funded and underway as Carey mentioned in his letter to Lola. I am sorry you took it this way.
The current government that was elected just about 2 years ago now, is now implementing the solutions that have been deemed to be appropriate for each particular problem area.
As for your analogies, no worries. They can only be as accurate as the situation allows. Jamaica has the ability to both address and fix the problems that exist with the transportation issues, just as Mexico addressed theirs. But, Jamaica is neither Mexico or the US. The fact that the US was ordered by their Supreme Court to force integration (busing and housing) because of systemic prejudice in both the south and the north of America, has little to no relationship to the solutions that are already underway in Jamaica to address the traffic problems.
The Jamaican government has planned, financed and is in the process of implementing a workable solution to the traffic problem.
RealNegril.com - Live webcasts and chats from Jamaica!
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jaherring
Member posted on Sunday, November 08, 2009 - 07:37 pm
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Post Number: 687
Registered: 11-2008
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The only thing that will make a differance is to physically stop speeding drivers in their tracks IN THE MOMENT it is happening.
Anything else is just ineffective money - wasting window - dressing.A lot of wheel spinning that will make people *think* something is being done-but its not, practically speaking.
Installing physical barriers that physically prevent cars from speeding is the only thing that can have a practical impact towards solving the problem.
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bruce
Member posted on Sunday, November 08, 2009 - 08:09 pm
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Post Number: 1993
Registered: 11-2006
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| Ok Rob,thanks for the response. I guess we will all have to hope that quick action is taken as soon as the funds are available and that no lives are lost in the meantime. I still maintain though that IMO the speed bumps are the best way to approach the problem. |
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irieworld
Member posted on Sunday, November 08, 2009 - 08:10 pm
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Post Number: 1266
Registered: 04-2008
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I hope that the Jamaican government is planning a "workable solution"--and it is great that some changes in the near future are being funded. I am not sure that an island wide solution is even possible at this juncture in time, but any progress towards a solution is a good thing. I know the government has made efforts in the past, but as of yet just from anecdotal evidence, the problem still remains, and senseless injuries and deaths still happen too often from reckless drivers not heeding speed limits and traffic regulations.
I am no expert on how JA government functions and what stonewalls the best of intentions. It seems there are many obstacles--from lack of resources and lack of education-- to an underfunded and sometimes corrupt police forces and a lack of enforcement of traffic violations.
Specifically in regards to Negril, for a while there was talk of engineers coming in to assess feasibility of speed bumps, walkways etc. And there were meetings on the issue of road safety that community business leaders convened, and those efforts are greatly appreciated. But it doesn't seem that ended in tangible results, perhaps because of lack of feasibility or funds to implement changes. I am curious about the cameras also, as that was one measure that was implemented.
It would be great if the big resorts did pony up the money to make some structural changes (ie speed bumps) but without strong advocates in Negril to spur change or major incentive for the resorts to help--I don't see it happening.
While education and enforcement are key elements --I still believe that physically slowing traffic on Norman Manley with speedbumps would have the quickest and most effective results. Of course that doesn't address the bigger problem island wide--but I believe it would keep Jamaicans and tourists alike safer on the thoroughfare in Negril.
In the meantime, I just urge everyone to be extra careful crossing and walking on the roads and drive defensively (or make sure that your driver does).
http://irie-negril-jamaica.blogspot.com/
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Blues_Pirate
Member posted on Sunday, November 08, 2009 - 09:43 pm
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Post Number: 1290
Registered: 08-2006
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Excellent post irieworld.
Inside every older person is a younger person wondering 'What the heck happened?'
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MissBlue
Member posted on Sunday, November 08, 2009 - 10:02 pm
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Post Number: 1181
Registered: 11-2006
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but what's this??
JAHERRING o no you di'int!!! 
bad boy!
but i agree, if i do say so miself 
BOAL |
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Browning
Member posted on Monday, November 09, 2009 - 12:26 pm
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Post Number: 1060
Registered: 10-2006
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haha jaherring, words taken exactly as it was written on another board by someone else lol can't help but agree there too.
 Browning
http://www.marcline.com
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MissBlue
Member posted on Monday, November 09, 2009 - 08:25 pm
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Post Number: 1182
Registered: 11-2006
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| hey no worries, i'm honored that others think my thoughts are quoteworthy |
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Lola
Member posted on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - 11:21 am
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Post Number: 4437
Registered: 06-2006
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I specifically titled the thread Negril AND Jamaica, because the concern is island-wide and everyone - resident and tourist alike, will benefit from improvements. The residents are at greater risk, because they live there.
.
Some of your friends are here
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Reneé
Member posted on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - 12:17 pm
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Post Number: 343
Registered: 06-2009
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hey lola - just wanted to state that i noted that when i first saw this thread. i remember thinking that you made it clear in the title of the thread where your concerns lie. from previous posts i have read by you over the years, i know that you realize this problem is bigger than just NMB in negril.
however, beyond the title of the thread, the posts within (at least up to the point where i posted above) didn't seem to share that sentiment, IMO. |
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Cee Holland
Member posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 01:32 pm
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Post Number: 5
Registered: 02-2009
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Hello all -
I am so happy to see this thread continuing. Although I was not able to continue for a little while, I am much better now and ready, willing and able to resume the fight.
There may be some extra attention on this very very soon, and I will be back and keep things updated.
Carole Holland
Justin's mother |
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irieworld
Member posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 04:11 pm
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Post Number: 1294
Registered: 04-2008
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Hi Cee--it is good to hear from you. I am glad you are better and resuming the fight. I saw your note on Facebook Safe Roads Jamaica site as well. Definitely keep us in the loop on new developments.
Bless
http://irie-negril-jamaica.blogspot.com/
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smith744
Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 02:58 am
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Post Number: 342
Registered: 08-2009
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jaherring on: Sunday, November 08, 2009 - 07:37 pm, wrote:Anything else is just ineffective money - wasting window - dressing.A lot of wheel spinning that will make people *think* something is being done-but its not, practically speaking.
:-(
* sigh *
i TOLD you's all the same/similar thing looooong time ago when Justin got run-down and killed
AND::>>> i TOLD-YOU-SO that they gonna play-games for outside money ....which they apparently got..... odds are pretty good that they gonna stall some more for some more from-foreign money ... they pimpin' out your/our/my safety
i've said it over & over & over again:::>> Dem don't care,,, and i don't care what nobody says .... we-go... we pay ... they make money .... dem happy .... some of us get killed, runned-down, whatever, so be it .... all in the cost of doing business ... a friendly fire thing-y ... another plane WILL come and bring more tourist$
again::>> with this road-safety issue IN-Negril:::>> they're B.S-ing big-time..... as Malcom once said (paraphrased)::>> "..you been/being fooled..... hoodwinked... bamboozled(sp).."
tru tru... island-wide roadsafety is a big problem
..however, ain't tourism the number-1 money-maker for Jamaica..??..
I don't know about anybody else, but mi thinks any idiot would want to protect the tourist-goose that's laying dem golden eggs
the problem is easy-ly fix-able
...if there was a will WITHIN-NEGRIL, they'd find a way
......there's nuff money in that town to do what needs to be done
consider this::::>> if & when theirs a pothole in a Jamaican road, they don't wait until the Minister of Roads & Potholes to do a survey, study, whatever..... they themselves do something .... it might be a simple thing such as a long stick in hole, along with several big-big rocks to warn others of the pothole
or
or
or::>>> if/when a bad-man goes an rob a shopkeeper, or rapes a child/woman/girl they frequently don't wait for the police to do whatever.... they themselves do something .... such as chop & maime and/or kill the bad-man
ergo, therefore, it seems to me (and my likkle pea brain) that all those bright Negril business folks would/could/should do someting themselves ...... if they cared
question::>> how many Negril-business-persons does it take to screw in a light bulb.....???...
cho..!!..
mi done (again) with this thread/topic
you's continue playing around with Carey, the Chamber et al
..waste of time, keystrokes, and internet bytes
mi gone
be happy
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smith744
Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 03:05 am
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Post Number: 343
Registered: 08-2009
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Cee Holland on: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 01:32 pm, wrote:I will be back and keep things updated.
i'm *curious* as to the status of that murder-driver who ran-down & killed your son, as he stood on the side of the road
be happy
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bobby @alices
Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 10:58 am
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Post Number: 90
Registered: 08-2009
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| the answer lies in the A1 S when they care about negril,the way the care about the dollars makin,things will happen,as soon as a tourist from beaches gets run down,things will change,look at the bridge being built in green island,how long does it take?the government has plenty on its plate ,trust me dat.thanks carey for staying onit,thats much more then butch has done.give thanks |
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Negril Escape
Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 02:19 pm
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Post Number: 173
Registered: 12-2008
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Sorry I'm just now getting to this thread guys.
Lola has given the update that I reeived from the road safety unit in the Ministry of Transport & Works regarding the March 2010 implementation.
After the study earlier this year. the recommendations in the report are as follows:
Recommendations
In an effort to seriously stem the tide of crashes along Norman Manley Boulevard, which is a Tourist Area, it is extremely important that the necessary traffic calming measures be deployed in this environment. Based on the analysis of traffic crashes that have transpired along this road way it has been established that excessive speeding, tailgating and failing to keep to the proper lane and pedestrian factors have contributed to crashes. Therefore the remedial measures developed in this area must be cognizant of the prevailing traffic conditions that transpired along Norman Manley Boulevard. The fact that this area is a tourist area would imply that there is a higher than usual pedestrian volume, and as such special effort must be taken to ensure that the safety of the tourists is not compromised. One should also recognise the high volume of motor cycles in the Negril environment.
This is crucial especially since there has been a march on in the international area encouraging people not to visit Negril because that road is unsafe. Last year, based on traffic analysis carried out, sections of Norman Manley Boulevard were declared Hot Spots and short term measures were deployed to have the crash situation addressed in Westmoreland. It is our view that serious re-engineering solutions must be implemented in order to curtail the misdemeanours occurring along this roadway. Therefore, we recommend the following measures:
 Short-term measures.
 Medium-term measures.
 Long-term measures.
Short-term Measures:
There are things that can be done right now to stem the behaviours that contribute to the crashes. Based on discussions from a meeting held on February 13, 2009 at the Negril Chamber of Commerce, law enforcement has been considered inadequate due to the fact that the Police complain about not having the resources, such as equipment to patrol from Salt Creek Bridge to the Negril round-a-about. Therefore, the Negril Chamber of Commerce posited that they would be willing to donate three motorcycles to the Negril Police Station but the motorcycles may only be used from Salt Creek Bridge to West End.
 Adequate road signs and markings should be posted along strategic sections of this road way to warn motorists to cut their speed and look out for pedestrians.
 The Negril Police must develop a one year sustained traffic surveillance plan for Norman Manley Boulevard.
 Public Education Programme for stakeholders.
 Traffic study by N.W.A.
Medium Term Measures:
Traffic calming that refers to a host of techniques for slowing and reducing traffic on public streets thus providing a safer environment for pedestrians, pedal cyclists and motorists. Since, this is a Tourist Area; traffic calming measures that promote walking should be encouraged and means that the environment must be reconfigured. There are various traffic calming options that are available but before implementation, it is important that a thorough assessment of the area is carried out in an effort to implement the appropriate measures. There must also be consultations with the Jamaica Fire Brigade and the Ministry of Health whenever these traffic calming measures are being considered for implementation.
According to the Project for Public Spaces in their Traffic Calming 101, traffic calming is a system of design and management strategies that aim to balance traffic on the street with other uses. The essence of traffic calming is that the road way must help create and preserve a sense of place, their purpose is for people to walk, stroll, meet, play, shop and even walk alongside cars and not be dominated by them. Traffic Calming techniques are appropriate for areas that have a profound need to slow down traffic especially in light of the fact, that the most vulnerable road users, the pedestrians are competing with motorists for the use of the roadways and this is quite applicable to the Norman Manley Boulevard.
Traffic calming measures can be applied inexpensively and flexibility after assessing the road way in a thorough manner. The fact is we already have the data as it relates to the reasons why crashes are occurring along this Tourist Area so it is for us to implement the necessary corrective measures to make this area safe and for it to be removed for the Hot Spot List.
There are lots of opportunities to be seized at this moment as the Negril Chamber of Commerce evinced that they will contribute 50% of the cost for re-engineering work to be carried out along Norman Manley Boulevard. This gesture is due to the fact that the Negril Chamber of Commerce is heavily dependent on tourism and does not want, especially since tourism is an image and service industry and even more so with the present economic challenges, any negative situation affects tourist arrivals to Negril. Therefore, they are willing to partner with the Government to have the Negril Area a safe area and to remove the Hot Spot Image of Negril. Even though the focus has been on Norman Manley Boulevard, serious efforts and measures must be implemented to also deal with the issue of pedestrian safety for the West End Main Road. This is due to the fact that there are no sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk in the road increasing the potential of them being involved in traffic crashes.
The business community along the West End Main Road has expressed an interest in giving up land to the Government to build the sidewalks but the Government must re-build the walls. Therefore, there exists an opportunity for a Public/Private Sector Partnership to seriously introduce road safety measures that will undoubtedly reduce the severity of crashes along this very important Tourist Area. The climate is right for corrective measures to be taken as the Negril Chamber of Commerce is screaming for action.
The following Traffic Calming measures should be considered along the Norman Manley Boulevard:-
1. Speed Humps.
Speed humps are raised devices, placed across the road to slow traffic. They effectively slow down traffic to 15-20 mph without making drivers uncomfortable. They are often considered the most traditional traffic calming solution. Speed humps slow traffic more gradually than speed bumps.
2. Textured Pavements/ Rumble Strips
Textured pavements are a type of surface treatment on a roadway, this maybe brick, concrete pavers, or stamped asphalt. Textured pavements do reduce travel speeds; however, they are difficult for bicyclists and some pedestrians to negotiate.
Rumble Strips are rows of raised pavements that can be placed across the roadway.
3. Raised Crosswalks.
Raised crosswalks are Speed Tables that are outfitted with crosswalk markings and signage, providing pedestrians with a level street crossing. It should be noted that by raising the level of the crossing, pedestrians become more visible to approaching motorists.
Raised crosswalks are good for locations where pedestrian crossings occur at haphazard locations and vehicle speeds are excessive.
4. Centre Island Narrowing/Raised Medians
These are elevated islands down the middle of the street. They provide a safe in-between refuge for pedestrians as well as an ideal location for trees, flowers and other amenities |
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smith744
Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 02:44 pm
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Post Number: 353
Registered: 08-2009
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Negril Escape on: Friday, November 20, 2009 - 02:19 pm, wrote:Sorry I'm just now getting to this thread guys.
thanks for the feedback
but after reading all-that *report* and those-short/mid/long-term measures, all i can say is a big-fat loud-loud:::> "..Duh.."
followed by a even-louder:::>> "..bumbacl___tt.." (sp?)
did somebody(s) get paid to do dem studies, surveys, report-writing, etc etc etc....??? !!!! ???? !!!! ????!???
Jeezus...!!!..
it's been how-many months since Justin was murdered by that car...????...
:-(
tisk tisk tisk
oh well
....as they like to say in-Jamaica, and i've been frequently told by my Ja-associates:::>>> "..Bill .... you gotta unna-stan .... it's a process..."
tisk tisk tisk
Dear God::
Before you take a back-hand to their backsides
...please help these peoples
...... please
be happy
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Yvonne
Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 02:48 pm
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Post Number: 2418
Registered: 07-2006
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1 & 3 make the most sense to me. The plan fails to address drivers who illegally pass on the shoulder of the road. When I run in the a.m., it's not at all uncommon to see someone slow to turn or just driving "too slow" (probably the actual speed limit) & drivers behind him pass on both sides. I'm surprised I haven't seen an accident yet. There is a serious need for driver re-education in Jamaica. Too many - regardless of their age- drive like they're teen boys w/ a new hot car they want to show off. This is between 6 - 7 a.m.!
Just my two cents.
I am glad that steps are being taken. Thank you Carey & NCC for working on this problem.
My body's here. My mind's in Jamaica.
Trip#40
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jessa
Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 03:05 pm
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Post Number: 1588
Registered: 05-2009
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rhonda on: Sunday, November 08, 2009 - 12:31 pm, wrote:NOTHING short of sleeping police will slow down the driving on Norman Manley Blvd.
My sentiments exactly.
http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=5801
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smith744
Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 03:36 pm
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Post Number: 355
Registered: 08-2009
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bobby @alices on: Friday, November 20, 2009 - 10:58 am, wrote:the government has plenty on its plate
so..??..
:-(
"..plenty-on-plate.." is how it goes in/for government
...if you can't '.manage.' & chew bubble-gum at same time, then step down
ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....
when is next Ja-election..??..
ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....
*maybe*/perhaps 'twould be a good idea to link-with comrade-Portia eh
....*seems*-like current government needs a nightmare
Negril Escape on: Friday, November 20, 2009 - 02:19 pm, wrote:This is crucial especially since there has been a march on in the international area encouraging people not to visit Negril because that road is unsafe
lol
lol
lol
dem got your attention eh
...rattled a few cage$
lol
lol
lol
ummmmmmm...
WHO was it that tried to dis-suade me from saying::>> "..Hit 'em HARD in the pocketbook.."
ummmmmmm...
Negril Escape on: Friday, November 20, 2009 - 02:19 pm, wrote:Therefore, the Negril Chamber of Commerce posited that they would be willing to donate three motorcycles to the Negril Police Station but the motorcycles may only be used from Salt Creek Bridge to West End.
ummmm...
this is *interesting*
i *wonder* what this is all about
can somebodys explain what dem chattin' about, here
....i'm not following
.......'member::>> English is not my four-tay
.........but i do know saltfish when i smell it
too-bad that *report* wasn't done in Patois
..would have been easy-er to follow/unna-stan/etc.
Dear Miss Lou::
..we miss you
be happy
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irieworld
Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 03:58 pm
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Post Number: 1296
Registered: 04-2008
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FYI regarding international attention to road safety issues, the petition that was started after Justin's death is past 1000 signatures now. I know that Cee has put out an invitation on facebook for more signatures as there is a renewed interest in Justin's story.
I do hope that these reports, updates and words on the road safety issue result in action and physical changes that everyone can observe that will ultimately save lives.
http://irie-negril-jamaica.blogspot.com/
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Lola
Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 06:02 pm
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Post Number: 4476
Registered: 06-2006
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Where is Salt Creek Bridge, is that 'the bridge' before the roundabout? That wouldn't make sense for the police motorcycles...
.
Some of your friends are on the other plank
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Cee Holland
Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 06:53 pm
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Post Number: 6
Registered: 02-2009
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<quote>Cee Holland on: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 01:32 pm, wrote:
I will be back and keep things updated.</quote>
i'm *curious* as to the status of that murder-driver who ran-down & killed your son, as he stood on the side of the road </quote>
To be honest, I don't know. I called several times only to hear about postponements. The system is very different than the states, and truly I was not in a condition to deal the way I might normally be. I did not call back after the last one, I almost preferred to not know than to hear for sure that he got off.
BUT.
That was then, this is now. I'm still ripped in half but there is enough scar there to hold me together so that I'm able to do this for real.
And you know what, I agree with you - I do think it's bull**** and anytime they want to, especially the business people - they can affect some change. I just don't think they've had a fire on their asses hot enough yet to do it. I don't care how a place operates, ANY place, USA or Jamaica, with enough to lose and enough of the right heat, will get things done. Believe that.
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BrenJaLee
Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 07:44 pm
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Post Number: 441
Registered: 01-2009
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Cee Holland on: Friday, November 20, 2009 - 06:53 pm, wrote:I called several times only to hear about postponements.
That has to be very hard to deal with. Our prayers still go to you and your family. Do you know if he is at least sitting in jail during all these "postponements" or if he is still out there driving like a maniac?
For the most up-to-date Negril Map go to: http://ohliza.blogspot.com/2008/12/map-of-negril-jamaica.html
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hunter
Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 07:45 pm
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Post Number: 4
Registered: 10-2009
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oh my.....loss for words after seeing the photo. my HEART goes out to you and your family/friends, bless.
keep on dem a$$'s !!!! |
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Yvonne
Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 07:59 pm
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Post Number: 2419
Registered: 07-2006
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Cee... I can only imagine the grief that accompanies your loss. I was recently on the jury of a vehicular homicide trial (alternate) where I live & it was heartbreaking. Road racing was a big part of the trial. The driver was sentenced - just last week - to 15 years in prison. I hope you have justice in the near future. I hope changes made in Negril will do justice to your son's memory.
My body's here. My mind's in Jamaica.
Trip#40
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