Lt Col Sheldon Bryan named Island Traffic Authority head as transport, education issues raised

Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has confirmed that Lieutenant Colonel Sheldon Bryan of the Jamaica Defence Force will head the Island Traffic Authority, announcing the move at this morning’s post-Cabinet press briefing. The appointment follows the resignation of Colonel Daniel Price, which took effect on June 30.

Vaz said Bryan brings the leadership, operational discipline, technological competence and government experience needed to steer the ITA through its next stage of development. Immediate priorities include continuing implementation of the new demerit point system, modernising the authority, and restoring the Black River examination depot to operation within 30 to 45 days.

Separately, the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Service (TODDS) has demanded an urgent, detailed review of the Road Traffic and Transport Authority Act. TODDS president Edon Newman argued that the statute in its present form is undermining its own aim of cutting road accidents and deaths, and that the transport sector is hampered by having to operate under two acts — a situation he said is sending thousands of workers into difficulty. Newman urged an immediate legislative review if the Government, and the minister, are serious about public transport.

Waterford division councillor in Portmore, St. Catherine, Dr Fenley Douglas proposed that the Government extend health insurance to the island’s thousands of registered transport operators, with operators’ associations sharing part of the cost. He said the cover would help both drivers’ families and the public health system. Citing Jamaica Observer reporting of about 28,000 licensed route taxi operators as of May 16, 2026, Douglas estimated that extending cover to drivers, spouses and two children could touch roughly 120,000 people without adequate insurance.

Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon, speaking Tuesday at the principals’ leadership conference at the Ocean Coral Spring Hotel in Trelawny, said improved 2026 Primary Exit Profile results should not obscure the need to fix poor school conditions and better support students and staff. She praised Region Six schools for lifting performance despite Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath, noting that even a five per cent gain can mark real progress where conditions worsened after storm damage — including to many Level Two schools in that region.

Dixon also warned that underage work is keeping children out of class, citing reports of youngsters at food businesses during school hours instead of in classrooms. She said parents and employers must face scrutiny over the practice. As infrastructure repairs continue — especially in western schools hit by Melissa — the ministry is prioritizing staff-room upgrades so teachers have decent working conditions.