Driving Towards Equality: Dominica’s Road Safety Awareness Campaign Takes Center Stage
The Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD) in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works, Public Utilities and the Digital Economy (MPWPUDE) and the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, successfully launched the Gender-responsive and Socially Inclusive Road Safety Awareness Communication Strategy Campaign on Wednesday 27th September 2023 from 4-6pm at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium Forecourt. The campaign strategy has been developed by consultants Fred Engineering S.R.L and aims to underscore the critical importance of road safety while promoting gender equality and social inclusivity in Dominica’s road infrastructure development. The Road Safety Awareness Strategy forms one component of the Road and Bridges Rehabilitation Loubiere to Bagatelle, PHASE 1 – Loubiere to Grand Bay Road project.
Over 50 stakeholders representing 22 entities including the public, private and civil society sectors gathered for the momentous event that promoted road safety including seat belt and helmet wearing in the nature isle. The consultative process has been key to this pivotal four-week campaign, which will include video pills, digital posters, public service announcements and partnerships with stakeholders.
The launch event featured addresses from the Honourable Fidel Grant, Minister for Public Works, Public Utilities and the Digital Economy, Francine Baron, CEO of CREAD, Acting Permanent Secretary of Health Wellness and Social Services, Dr. Laura Esprit and Superintendent Belgrove Charles from the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force. Road crash survivor Irma Raymond Joseph gave a moving testimonial about her accident which resulted in the loss of a leg and damage to her internal organs while President of the Nature Isle Riders Timmy Garraway applauded the initiative for drawing attention to the vulnerability of motorcyclists who are disproportionately represented as victims of road traffic accidents.
In his feature remarks, Honourable Fidel Grant emphasized the importance of adhering to road safety practices such as obeying speed limits, avoiding cellphone usage, and using seatbelts. He stated, “This government is committed to improving infrastructure by developing well designed roads, clear signage, and functional traffic signs. Minster Grant underscored the significance of the road safety campaign and urged citizens and residents to become more safety conscious. He stated, “Let us all commit to being responsible drivers, riders and road users not for our sake but for the safety of all.”
In her remarks, CEO of CREAD Francine Baron highlighted the fact that the active participation of the public is essential to the success of this initiative. She emphasized the need for heightened vigilance among all road users and remarked, “This afternoon marks a significant moment in our journey towards safer roads and a stronger more resilient road network in Dominica.” She remarked that road safety is not only the responsibility of the government or agencies of government but requires a collective concerted effort requiring commitment and vigilance of every road user.”
The campaign’s ambassador Shelly of the Signal Band delivered an electrifying performance of the newly released jingle promoting seat belt wearing, which features the catchy slogan “Bache and Buckle.” The prominent bouyon star will engage in several activities throughout the campaign’s implementation to encourage the population to adopt safer road practices and use their social media platforms to advocate for safer roads in the nature isle.
Details on the road safety campaign can be found via social media
@dominica_roadsafetystrategy
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