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Port Antonio to Ocho Rios Rural Stage Carriage Open
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TRANSPORT AUTHORITY STAGED FIRE DRILL DURING BUSINESS HOURS
{{ "Fire Sensitization Session.jpg" | asset_url | img_tag }}File Photo: Mr. Damion Lloyd - District Officer, Jamaica Fire Bigrade conducting a fire safety sensitization session with staff at the Transport Authority Corporate Office on April 24, 2025.KINGSTON, JAMAICA - May 20, 2025: The Transport Authority, today, facilitated a fire drill carried out by the Jamaica Fire Brigade to sensitize staff and customers at its Licensing Department on emergency response protocols. The drill tested evacuation protocols, identified potential challenges in relation to fire response and assessed the communication links in relation to first responders. It was conducted under ‘real life circumstances’ where customers were conducting business with the Authority at the time. The Transport Authority says the drill form part of its emergency plan and underscores its commitment to enhancing fire safety awareness through a focus on preparedness and education, ensuring the well-being of staff and customers. Mr. Ralston Smith, Transport Authority Managing Director said that the drill met its objective, in that the Fire Brigade provided the Authority with the needed information for its preparedness and made recommendations for areas where improvements are needed. Mr. Smith says, “It was a well-executed drill. Persons evacuated the respective areas within minutes, and the necessary head count was done. However, greater sensitization of key stakeholders will enhance future drills and sensitization sessions.” Since January, this is the second in a series of disaster preparedness sessions held with Transport Authority staff throughout the Kingston Metropolitan Offices, to build awareness around the ever-present threat of fires, earthquakes and other catastrophes. The Transport Authority’s disaster preparedness drills in collaboration with the Jamaica Fire Brigade and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) will continue throughout all the Transport Authority’s Regional offices in upcoming months. -30-
TRANSPORT AUTHORITY RESPONDS WITH HALF A MILLION DOLLAR CHEQUE TO HELP TAXI OPERATOR PAY DAUGHTER’S MEDICAL SCHOOL TUITION
{{ "Caption 2a.JPG" | asset_url | img_tag }}(From left): Hon. Daryl Vaz - Minister of Science, Energy, Technology, Telecommunication and Transport, Peta-Gay Johnson – first Year Medical Doctor Student at the University of the West Indies, Mr. Peter Johnson – Hackney Carriage Operator in the KMTR and father, Mr. Ralston Smith – Managing Director Transport Authority, Mrs. Judith Johnson and Mr. Owen Ellington – Board Chairman, Transport Authority.KINGSTON, JAMAICA - May 8, 2025: The Transport Authority responded to the impassioned plea of a taxi operator who took his need for tuition support for his daughter who is a medical student at the University of the West Indies to the media. On Friday March 25, 2025, the Transport Authority invited Mr. Peter Johnson, a Hackney Carriage Operator, his wife, Judith and daughter, Peta-Gaye to its Corporate Office where Peta-Gaye was presented with a cheque for five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000). Managing Director of the Transport Authority Mr. Ralston Smith stated that as a regulator for public land transportation the Authority also has a corporate responsibility. He said that his team was moved by Mr. Johnson’s plea for help for his daughter who is enrolled in her first year at the University. {{ "IMG_6301.JPG" | asset_url | img_tag }}From R to L: Mr. Owen Ellington - Board Chairman, Mr. Ralston Smith - Managing Director, Ms. Petra-Kene Williams - General Manager Human Resource and Administration, Mr. Michael Byrue - General Manager, Finance and Planning and Mrs. Claudine Gentles-Lewis (partially hidden). Mr. Smith added that, “we felt that it was a good move for the Transport Authority to show face and come forward as a corporate citizen”. In presenting the cheque to Peta-Gaye, Mr. Smith said, “we hope that this gesture by the Transport Authority will be a catalyst for other entities to come forward and provide some form of support.” Transport Authority Board Chairman, Mr. Owen Ellington, in adding his words of encouragement to the Johnsons, reiterated that, “we are a Regulatory Body but we do have a heart and this is a touching, deserving case and we felt that we had to do what was necessary in the quickest possible time to stand by this family and make a contribution.”Mr. Ellington further announced that as the Acting Managing Director at the Jamaica Urban Transport Company (JUTC) he will be presenting Peta-Gaye with a JUTC Premium bus pass to commute to and from school. Meanwhile, Transport Minister, the Hon. Daryl Vaz, who was present, commented that, “I want to applaud the initiative being undertaken by the Transport Authority because usually you see Corporate Jamaica intervening as part of their corporate responsibility programme and projects, but in this case the Transport Authority, under my Ministry has seen it fit to assist one of the members of the Transport Sector.” The Transport Minister stated further that, “It is moving for me because I am very strong on education and as a rural Member of Parliament, in my 18th year, I see the benefits of education and the lack of benefits without it. Wearing my parent hat and my Member of Parliament hat, even though Mr. Johnson is not a constituent of mine, I am going to match the five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) from a mentorship programme that I have in the parish of Portland.” The Johnsons expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the assistance given, especially that Peta-Gaye is now placed in a position to sit her term exams. {{ "IMG_6277.JPG" | asset_url | img_tag }}From L to R: Ms. Merdina Callum - Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Peter Johnson - Hackney Carriage Operator and Peta-Gaye Johnson- daughter.Mr. Smith concluded that he is confident that Peta-Gaye will not just make her parents and community proud, but that she will make Jamaica proud. {{ "Caption 1.JPG" | asset_url | img_tag }}From left): Hon. Daryl Vaz - Minister of Science, Energy, Technology, Telecommunication and Transport, Peta-Gay Johnson – first Year Medical Doctor Student at the University of the West Indies, Mr. Ralston Smith – Managing Director, Transport Authority and Mr. Owen Ellington – Board Chairman, Transport Authority. -30-
NNN Interview with Transport Minister and TA's Managing Director April 16, 2025
The Honourable Daryl Vaz, MP - Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport and Mr. Ralston Smith - Managing Director of the Transport Authority in discussion with Nationwide 90FM as they addressed the issue of PPV operators overcharging passengers in various sections of the island.This interview was conducted live on April 16, 2025, take a listen:https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=5ZjH3m5Z8AostidrHe7Z9KFk7Zi92P9ibaUe4IPCxg7Db9RmLNoyry#transportauthorityregulatingwithvision #Notoovercharging #Notoexploiting
