Fortinet Reporting Significant 2014 First Quarter Financial Results

Christ Church, Barbados: May 22, 2014

Fortinet Inc., a U.S. based global leader in high performance network security, has announced impressive financial results for the first quarter of the year ending March 31.

“The first quarter marked a strong start to the year, highlighted by billing revenue and operating profitability, each of which exceeded expectations,” said Ken Xie, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

The Fortinet CEO added that business momentum is being driven by the company’s focused execution and the strength, applicability and breadth of its technology, as evidenced by the demand for recently introduced products such as Fortigate – 3700D and 1500D high speed, low battery next generation enterprise data centre security appliances.

“Given the leverage we have seen from the recent growth initiatives, we remain committed to investing for growth and delivering security innovation to further extend our market share and leadership position globally,” the CEO said.

During the first quarter of the year, total billings were US$187.6 million, representing an increase of 26% compared with US$148.5 million for the similar quarter in 2013.  Total revenue was US$168.9 million for the first quarter of 2014, an increase of 24% compared with US$135.8 million in the similar quarter for 2013.

Within total revenue, product revenue was US$76.8 million, an increase of 32%, compared with the similar quarter for 2013. Services and other revenue accounted for US$92.2 million, an increase of 18% compared with the similar period for 2013.   

Building on its success across Latin America, Fortinet last year sought to increase its market share in the Caribbean by growing its high-end customer base in the eastern countries of the region, targeting key segments such as telecommunications carriers, large enterprises and financial organizations.

About Fortinet (www.fortinet.com)

Fortinet is a worldwide provider of network security appliances and a market leader in unified threat management (UTM). The company’s products and subscription services provide broad, integrated and high-performance protection against dynamic security threats while simplifying the IT security infrastructure. I’ts customers include enterprises, service providers and government entities worldwide, including the majority of the 2012 Fortune Global 100. Fortinet's flagship FortiGate product delivers ASIC-accelerated performance and integrates multiple layers of security designed to help protect against application and network threats. Fortinet's broad product line goes beyond UTM to help secure the extended enterprise - from endpoints, to the perimeter and the core, including databases and applications. Fortinet is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with offices around the world.

LIMACOL CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE UNVEILS FIXTURE SCHEDULE - The Biggest Party in Sport announces 30 games over 37 days on 8 different islands, as the CPL II countdown begins

Friday 9th May 2014 – Kingston, Jamaica 

CPL Winners Presentation 2013

The 2014 Limacol Caribbean Premier League, which will run from 11th July to 16th August, today announced the full set of fixtures that will have fans of the Biggest Party in Sport blocking out their calendar with 30 explosive games set to be played in just 37 days.

CPL II is set to thrill crowds across eight beautiful islands in the Caribbean; Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Trinidad and Tobago. The tournament is set to entertain record-breaking crowds both on and off the field, building on last year’s inaugural tournament won by the Jamaica Tallawahs.

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, said:

“It’s a thrill to be able to announce the full schedule for this year’s tournament. Each island will deliver a party like no other, and the combination of world class internationals and exciting Caribbean talent will thrill the crowds, ensuring that this year’s Limacol Caribbean Premier League will be like no other cricket tournament, combining unbelievable, dramatic action on the field and a unique vibrant carnival atmosphere off it.”

Week 1 – Grenada Carnival cricket fever hits the beautiful island of Grenada with the announcement that the National Cricket Stadium will host the opening round of games of the 2014 Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL), from Friday 11th July, with all six teams in action over the first weekend.

The National Stadium, which has hosted several West Indies matches since 2002, as well as six matches at the 2007 World Cup, boasts fantastic playing facilities, and will hold the biggest Limacol CPL crowd ever, with room for a massive 16,200 fans each day. The opening fixture, on Friday 11th July, will be Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Antigua Hawksbills, followed by Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel vs Barbados Tridents on the 12th and St. Lucia Zouks v Jamaica Tallawahs on the 13th July.

Week 2 – Guyana / Antigua The second week of the tournament is spread between Guyana and Antigua, with the Amazon Warriors and Hawksbills both looking to make full use of home advantage.

A packed Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is expected on 17th July as the Antigua Hawksbills welcome the visit of Mickey Arthur and the Jamaica Tallawahs, with coach Tim Nielsen no doubt hoping the mystery spin of Saeed Ajmal can unravel Chris Gayle and his travelling Tallawahs.

Meanwhile, 15,000 passionate Guyanese fans are expected to fill the Providence Stadium as the Amazon Warriors welcome Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel in the second game of the day, held on the evening of the 17th. There will be a distinctly Kiwi feel for the match, with Corey Anderson and Martin Guptill turning out for the home team, and Ross Taylor representing the Red Steel.

Four further games follow at the weekend, with the pick of the week coming on Sunday 20th July, and a rematch of last year’s final between the Jamaica Tallawahs and Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Week 3 – Trinidad / Barbados It’s set to be the tale of two Ovals in week three, as the Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad, and Kensington Oval, Barbados play host to the next six games of the tournament.

Barbados fans will be well aware of the threat posed by the St. Lucia Zouks in their opening game of the week (24th July), and will hope Kieron Pollard and his Tridents are able to contain the powerful batting threat of Darren Sammy, Andre Fletcher and Brad Hodge.

Kevin Pietersen could make his Zouks debut later that week, against the Red Steel on 27th July. It will be a big weekend for Trinidad & Tobago, with reigning champions the Jamaica Tallawahs visiting Queen’s Park the day before for a fantastic clash between two of the Caribbean’s favourite players, Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle.

Week 4 – Jamaica / St. Lucia With July drawing to a close, the CPL party will show no sign of stopping as it arrives in Jamaica and St. Lucia for the fourth week of the tournament.

Chris Gayle will hope to light up his home ground, Sabina Park, in his first home game of the tournament on July 31st. However, another legendary West Indian batsman stands in his way, with Antigua Hawksbills mentor Sir Vivian Richards hoping to provide his team with the inspiration to spoil the Jamaican’s homecoming.

Kevin Pietersen will discover the passion and support of his home fans when he arrives at the Beausejour Stadium for the first time in a Zouks jersey. Captain Darren Sammy will be expecting the box-office batsman to deliver in three tough games, one of which includes a clash with local rivals, Barbados Tridents.

Week 5  – St. Kitts The penultimate week of the tournament sees Warner Park welcome the CPL for the very first time, as the people of St Kitts and Nevis will get the chance to experience the thrill of the competition first-hand. With the stadium having undergone recent development to enable it to host CPL matches with the construction of state of the art lighting facilities, it is sure to be another exceptional host for the thousands of local fans expected from August 7th.

The first three games of the week will give teams the opportunity to settle some scores from the opening weekend of the tournament, with the first three fixtures mirroring those that took place in Grenada in July.

However, tension is set to reach breaking point when the final round of fixtures take place on the weekend of 9/10th August. Jamaica Tallawahs and St. Lucia Zouks will be hoping for one final push as they both play two games in as many days, including the hotly anticipated showdown between Gayle and Pietersen on 9th August.

Finals Week – St. Kitts The tournament will reach its climax during a packed week in St. Kitts, beginning with the semi-finals, taking place on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th August.

In a change from last year, the first placed team at the end of the group stage will advance straight to the final, rewarding consistency across the season. The third and fourth-placed teams will meet in the first semi-final, with the winner of that match set to play the second placed team the following day for a place in the final. The remaining two franchises will then have the rest of the week to prepare, as the Biggest Party in Sport reaches its epic conclusion, with the Limacol Caribbean Premier League 2014 final due to begin at 3.30pm on Saturday 16th August.

Check cplt20.com for ticket announcements and further details.

ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE:

Caribbean Premier League is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere.  The inaugural CPL, billed as “the Biggest Party in Sport” featured six teams competing throughout the region in August  2013 – Jamaica Tallawahs, Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Lucia Zouks, Antigua Hawksbills.  The Jamaica Tallawahs, captained by Chris Gayle, emerged as champions.

DIGICEL FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH MUSTARD SEED COMMUNITIES

Kingston, Jamaica – Wednesday, March 26, 2014

A joyful ribbon-cutting! Sandy Wallace, Resident at Jacob’s Ladder is embraced by a Mustard Seed Community volunteer as she cuts the ribbon for the official opening of the Care Plus Centre of Excellence on Wednesday, March 26. Joining her is Judine Hunter (left), Programme Manager, Special Needs, Digicel Foundation and Thyra Heaven, Board Member, Mustard Seed Communities. Care Plus Centre of Excellence, equipped with rehabilitative and therapeutic facilities, was erected as part of the Foundation’s 10th Anniversary goals, to build 10 Centres of Excellence for Special Needs schools across the island this year.

The Digicel Foundation has partnered with Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) to enhance the welfare and quality of life of persons with disabilities in Jamaica. On Wednesday, March 26^th, the Foundation officially opened a multi-functional centre – Care Plus Centre of Excellence- at the Jacob’s Ladder community in Moneague, St. Ann. This facility will expand the scope of skills training courses currently being done with the residents of MSC.

“The vision of Digicel Foundation augurs well for the lives of persons living in the Special Needs Communities,” remarked Darcy Tulloch-Williams, Executive Director of Mustard Seed Communities. “This Centre will indeed bring out “Excellence’ in the lives of these individuals who are affected by varying physical and developmental challenges. We are extremely grateful for this partnership as it will allow us to move beyond offering simply room and board, and giving them industry. This will undoubtedly build their self-esteem and enable them to become more educated.”

The Jacob’s Ladder community is currently the only facility of its kind in Jamaica, catering to the needs of 70 adults with Special Needs. The Care Plus facility, valued at 17 million JMD, will enhance the capacity of MSC to care for residents by augmenting the skills training curriculum in the areas of culinary skills, art and craft, information technology and occupational physiotherapy. Additionally, the Centre will provide a facility to host awareness forums and workshops for families in the surrounding areas that require experience and training in dealing with persons who are differently abled.

Samantha Chantrelle, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, further reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to the Special Needs sector in Jamaica. She said, “The work of the Mustard Seed Communities reflects the conviction of the Digicel Foundation that the opportunities for those in our society that are differently abled should not be limited due to lack of resources or adequate training for their caregivers. So we are pleased to partner with them for the building of this facility and will remain committed through our Centres of Excellence programme to provide the highest quality resources that will enable our Special Needs community to thrive.” 

The Care Plus Centre is a part of the Digicel Foundation’s larger “Centres of Excellence Programme”, geared at increasing the capacity of Special Needs schools in Jamaica. As part of its 10^th Anniversary celebrations, the Foundation will be opening 10 Centres of Excellence this year.

About Digicel Foundation

The Digicel Foundation is the largest local private sector foundation in Jamaica. Since its inception in 2004 the Foundation has invested over J$1.2 billion in communities in which Digicel operates islandwide. The Digicel Foundation has been proactive in the areas of Education, Special Needs, and Community Empowerment.

The Digicel Foundation has:

• Invested over J$100 million in their Enrichment Initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Education to improve literacy at the primary school level islandwide.
• Invested over J$38 million in resource rooms, including science and IT labs, in high schools islandwide.
• Committed to building three Special Needs schools, two of which, the STEP Centre, and NAZ Children’s Centre broke ground in 2012.
• Invested over J$60 million in Community Empowerment initiatives over the past four years, including $10 million annually and $15 million in 2012 to support the National Best Communities Competition and Program.
• Invested $13 million in the ‘Back to Roots—Stronger Roots, Stronger Communities, Stronger Nation Project.’ The programme aims to help community organizations become more self-reliant by facilitating their transition to social enterprises, by teaching them how to run sustainable community businesses.

For more information visit our website at www.digiceljamaicafoundation.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/digiceljafoundation

Twitter:  (@digiceljafdn) https://twitter.com/DigicelJaFdn

DIGICEL FOUNDATION MARCHES IN SUPPORT OF AUTISM AWARENESS

Kingston, Jamaica – Friday April 4, 2014

Participants in the annual Autism Awareness street march held in Montego Bay last Friday, April 4

The Montego Bay Autism Centre (MBAC), in partnership with the Digicel Foundation, hosted the annual staging of its Autism Awareness Street March under the theme “Autism…different in extraordinary ways”. The March, which took place in Montego Bay on Friday, April 4, saw over 150 persons marching from Dead End Beach to Dump-up Beach in support of this very worthy initiative.

Adama Blagrove, Director of the Montego Bay Autism Awareness Centre, expressed gratitude to the Digicel Foundation for collaborating on this initiative. “We have tried so hard to have the voices of our children heard, so when we found out that the Digicel Foundation was coming on board, we celebrated because we knew immediately that their involvement would help us to deliver on this very important objective. We are so excited about their vision in deciding to pay it forward and contribute to the future development of these children. This road march doesn’t stop here— it’s a lifelong journey for these children. So we’re geared up and excited about what lies ahead for this partnership!”

The Montego Bay Autism Centre Street March started six years ago (April 2008) with four parents, their children and staff members from the Centre. In celebration of World Autism Month, the group met at Dump-Up Beach, prayed and released balloons. Over the years, as the Centre grew in size, so too did the March. This year’s staging saw participation from representative from the Urban Development Cooperation (UDC), Rotary Club Sunrise Montego Bay, Mega Mart, Doctor’s Cave, Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), Rainforest Seafood, Kiwanis Club and Digicel Foundation.

Digicel Foundation’s CEO, Samantha Chantrelle, said she is delighted that the Foundation is able to be a part of activities geared towards improving autism awareness and greater acceptance of members of the autistic community.

“Supporting autism and raising the awareness of this condition continues to be an area of immense focus for us in the Digicel Foundation and so we are very happy to be able to partner with groups across the island in helping to improve the lives of our autistic population. Seeing these children happy and being given the opportunity to develop to their full potential is a real blessing,” said Chantrelle.

The Foundation has also been actively involved in drumming up awareness about autism among its staff members. In celebration of Autism Awareness day on April 2, the staff at Digicel were engaged in the ‘light it up blue’ for autism campaign, where staff members purchased blue sponge noses, took selfies while wearing them and posted to social media. The proceeds from this activity will be used to buy tablets for autistic children of staff members.

In addition to the Street March, over the past month, the Foundation also supported Surfing for Autism, held on March 29 and will partner again with JASA’s for their annual World Autism Awareness Month Concert, set to take place on Saturday, April 12.

Autism is the world’s fastest growing developmental disorder. It is a lifelong disability with a normal life expectancy. Autistic children show delays or regression in speech, social skills and physical abilities. Approximately 450 autistic children are born in Jamaica each year. Early interventions, such as speech, occupational and behavioural modification and physical therapies, give children a chance at a normal life.

About Digicel Foundation

The Digicel Foundation is the largest local private sector foundation in Jamaica. Since its inception in 2004 the Foundation has invested over J$1.2 billion in communities in which Digicel operates island wide. The Digicel Foundation has been proactive in the areas of Education, Special Needs, and Community Empowerment.

The Digicel Foundation has:

• Invested over J$100 million in their Enrichment Initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Education to improve literacy at the primary school level island wide.
• Invested over J$38 million in resource rooms, including science and IT labs, in high schools island-wide.
• Committed to building three Special Needs schools, two of which, the STEP Centre, and NAZ Children’s Centre broke ground in 2012.
• Invested over J$60 million in Community Empowerment initiatives over the past four years, including $10 million annually and $15 million in 2012 to support the National Best Communities Competition and Program.

For more information visit our website at www.digiceljamaicafoundation.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/digiceljafoundation

Twitter:  (@digiceljafdn) https://twitter.com/DigicelJaFdn

Surfing for Autism: Another Great Success with Digicel Foundation

Kingston, Jamaica – Monday March 31, 2014

Nathan Anderson (right) perfects his skill on the surf board, with advice from a Jamaica Surfing Association instructor. Nathan along with a number of other children with autism and their families were treated to a day of fun on Saturday, March 29 at Cable Hut Beach. The event was hosted by theJamaica Autism Support Association (JASA) in partnership with the Digicel Foundation.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Digicel Foundation lent its support to the Jamaica Autism Support Association (JASA) for a fun-filled day of surfing for children with autism and their families. The event took place at the Cable Hut Beach on Saturday, March 29, 2014.

The fourth annual staging of Surfing for Autism was attended by over 100 children and their family members. Children were given the opportunity to take surfing lessons with professional surfers from the Jamaica Surfing Association. Those who preferred a more relaxing day ‘kicked back’ in the wading pool or jumped in the bounce-a-bout.

JASA Co-Founder, Kathy Chang, said the event is important as it provides the children and their families the opportunity to let loose in a safe and fun environment.

“Our children look forward to this event, which gives them a chance to have some fun in the sun, sea and sand. Our parents also enjoy this event, which allows their children with autism to be themselves without judgment or stress. They also appreciate the fact that this is an inclusive event that their whole family can enjoy and participate in,” said Chang.

Kathy also expressed her appreciation to the organisations that supported the event, saying, "On behalf of the families of JASA, we truly appreciate the support from the Jamaica Surfing Association, the Rotary Club of Trafalgar, New Heights and all the organisations that made the fourth annual Surfing for Autism possible. We especially are grateful to Digicel Foundation for being there for us and for paving the way for other organisations to join in and support us."

Inelek Wilmot of the Jamaica Surfing Association explained that for many of the surfers, this event provided their first point of interaction with children who are autistic. Despite this, he noted that, “When teaching surfing, dealing with an autistic child is not so different to dealing with any other child. They are all kids and the really love it,” said Wilmot.

For her part, Digicel Foundation’s CEO, Samantha Chantrelle, is delighted that the Foundation is able to be a part of the Surfing for Autism initiative every year.

“This initiative is very dear to my heart. Being able to see the children run free along the beach without fear of being judged and the parents being able to sit back and relax- it is truly an amazing day,” said Chantrelle.

The activity-driven event at Cable Hut Beach also provides an opportunity for Digicel staff to get involved. This year, twenty staff members volunteered to help set up for the event, organise registration, refreshments and engage in various exercises with the children.

Digicel Foundation volunteer Donna Henry expressed her enjoyment at being able to participate in the event, “We are proud to be a part of this very special event. Having the opportunity to see love in action is a true blessing.”

In addition to Surfing for Autism, the Digicel Foundation also supports JASA’s annual World Autism Awareness Month Concert, set to take place on April 12.

Autism is the world’s fastest growing developmental disorder. It is a lifelong disability with a normal life expectancy. Autistic children show delays or regression in speech, social skills and physical abilities. Approximately 450 children are born with autism in Jamaica each year. Early interventions, such as speech, occupational and behavioural modification and physical therapies, give children a chance at a normal life.

Being the youngest surfer, did not stop little Kyle Coleman from paddling out to take on the waves on Saturday, March 29 at Cable Hut Beach. The occasion was the annual staging of Surfing for Autism by the Jamaica Autism Support Association (JASA) in partnership with the Digicel Foundation.

About Digicel Foundation

The Digicel Foundation is the largest local private sector foundation in Jamaica. Since its inception in 2004 the Foundation has invested over J$1.2 billion in communities in which Digicel operates islandwide. The Digicel Foundation has been proactive in the areas of Education, Special Needs, and Community Empowerment.

The Digicel Foundation has:

• Invested over J$100 million in their Enrichment Initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Education to improve literacy at the primary school level islandwide.
• Invested over J$38 million in resource rooms, including science and IT labs, in high schools islandwide.
• Committed to building three Special Needs schools, two of which, the STEP Centre, and NAZ Children’s Centre broke ground in 2012.
• Invested over J$60 million in Community Empowerment initiatives over the past four years, including $10 million annually and $15 million in 2012 to support the National Best Communities Competition and Program.
• Invested $13 million in the ‘Back to Roots—Stronger Roots, Stronger Communities, Stronger Nation Project.’ The programme aims to help community organizations become more self-reliant by facilitating their transition to social enterprises, by teaching them how to run sustainable community businesses.

For more information visit our website at www.digiceljamaicafoundation.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/digiceljafoundation

Twitter:  (@digiceljafdn) https://twitter.com/DigicelJaFdn

About JASA:

Jamaica Autism Support Association (JASA) is a support group for families living with autism. It was initially started in 2007 as a parent support group. Today, JASA still provides support for many parents of autistic children, but has broadened its scope to include raising awareness around the disorder, and advocating for persons living with autism as well as those who provide care for them. JASA meets every last Saturday of the month at the Kingston YMCA. The organization hosts annual awareness events such as dental clinics and workshops to educate parents, teachers and caregivers on how to care for an individual with autism. It also hosts a church service during World Autism Awareness Month.

BOLD ONES READY FOR EXPO JAMAICA 2014

Kingston, Jamaica, April 2, 2014

On April 3, 2014, the largest grouping of Jamaican manufacturers meet for business matchmaking sessions at the National Arena, for Expo Jamaica 2014. At that time manufacturers will have the opportunity to market their products to an expected 500 buyers comprising of 308 local buyers along with 199 international buyers from 28 countries, including the US, UK and Canada.

This year, Continental Baking Company, owners of the National brand, will be presenting its third group of Bold Ones of Manufacturing at Expo Jamaica. An innovative group of eight local manufacturers will present their array of products of a world class standard, at the National Baking pavilion. This year’s Bold Ones manufacturers include: D’NexStep Sandals and Accessories, EcoFarms Jamaica, Lifespan, Irie Rock, Bartley’s All in Wood, Journey’s End Wines, Lincoln’s, and Spring Vale Enterprises.

The value of the opportunity, to be a part of Expo Jamaica, is not lost on Lacey Ann Bartley, owner of Bartley’s All in Wood.  “Being at Expo Jamaica can mean everything for Bartley’s. I know that we can get at least a 50% increase in sales through exposure to corporate clients and get opportunities to have our products placed in the gift shops. The support of National Baking as a strong brand and company, also gives endorsement to the power of the Bartley’s brand.” Bartley’s manufactures handmade wooden furniture, jewellery, household items and corporate gifts.

The general public will be treated to the opportunity of visiting the Expo from Friday, April 4 to Sunday, April 6, where they can have direct interaction with the Bold Ones at National Baking’s pavilion and indulge in the unique fusion of products from a cross section of manufacturing industries: jewellery, furniture, fashion, food and beverage.

Howard Coxe, owner of Journey’s End Wine Company, is aware of the niche market that his company occupies, as the manufacturer of wines using local products such as- Ackee, Sorrel and Pimento Berries. Mr. Coxe anticipates a continued increase in the awareness of his products to the local and international market. “Since the start of the Bold Ones campaign I’ve seen an increase of up to 20% in the awareness of our brand, and from Expo, I believe we’ll be able to build on our distribution channels and receive patronage from hoteliers and international buyers.”

The entire public is invited to be a part of this unique experience that celebrates the best of brand Jamaica from April 3-6.

ABOUT NATIONAL BAKERY (Continental Baking Company)

National Bakery is the leading manufacturer of baked goods in Jamaica, offering a wide range of products under three distinctive brands: National, HTB, and HoMade. Started in 1952 as a family-owned bakery, the company has expanded from its humble beginnings to become the top producer of breads, buns, crackers and other baked products in the island.

The company operates on a 220,000 sq. ft. complex with a state-of the-art biscuit and bread plant. There are over 700 people in the National family. National distributes its freshly made products islandwide each day. The company also exports a variety of its products to the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and other Caribbean Islands.

NRSC and National Security Ministry move to tackle major spike in road crashes and fatalities

Kingston, Jamaica: April 3, 2014

Following the dramatic spike in road fatalities in March where there was a 30% increase when compared with February, and a total of 35 persons killed, the Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting, in consultation with the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), convened a meeting on Thursday April 3, to discuss strategies to urgently reduce the rising carnage on the nation's roads. Attendees included Senior Superintendent in charge of the Traffic Division, Andrew Lewis; Deputy Superintendent of Traffic, Gary McKenzie; Head of the Transport Authority, Donald Foster; Head of the Island Traffic Authority Ludlow Powell; Co-ordinator of the NRSC's Below 240 Project, Victor Anderson, and other officials from the National Security Ministry.

During the meeting it was also revealed that, between January one and April three, 80 persons were killed on the nation’s roads. Additionally, among the fatalities were four children. Pedestrians continue to figure prominently in the data with a total of 26 killed during the period, representing 34 % of the total number of road crash fatalities since the start of the year. The figure also represents six more pedestrians killed compared with the similar period for last year.

St. Catherine North accounted for most fatalities with 10 deaths, followed by Westmoreland which accounted for eight. Manchester, St Andrew South and St. Ann each accounted for five fatalities, while Clarendon recorded seven fatalities and St Andrew Central six. The NRSC has also provided a breakdown of the age group of persons killed in road crashes for the first quarter of 2014, which was 20 to 24, followed by the 40 to 44 age group. In 2013 the age group 25 to 29 accounted for most of the road crash fatalities.

During the period, speeding was again highlighted as the main cause of 22 road crash fatalities. This was followed by pedestrian error which accounted for 14 cases. Drivers who failed to keep left accounted 11 while drivers who followed too closely; inattention of drivers; drivers overtaking improperly and swerving, each accounted for three fatal crashes.

Those attending the meeting, having looked at the data and having observed that most of the crashes were not occurring in bad spots (more than two crashes in one area), then decided that the following strategies would be employed to drive down road deaths in the short and medium term:

A major strategy involves the Island Traffic Authority and the Transport Authority, as well as other relevant agencies putting in place measures to ensure that drivers with multiple outstanding traffic tickets are not re-issued licences.

Measures will also be explored to provide additional resources for the Police Traffic Department to effectively carry out their traffic management duties, and discussions in this regard will continue with the National Security Ministry.

In addition, the National Works Agency will be asked to repair and repaint pedestrian crossings, lights and signage across the island.

Expressing alarm at the spike in the figures, Dr. Lucien Jones, Vice Chairman and Convenor of the NRSC said, “We are intensifying our efforts along with our various partner agencies to ensure road fatalities are kept under 240 this year. Already there are discussions taking place and measures to step up the public education campaign for pedestrians are already in train.  The current situation cannot be allowed to continue.”

Contact: Ceila Morgan, PROComm 550-9330 or 926-6740