Transport Minster Daryl Vaz is joining the national call for farmers to take necessary precautions to secure their livestock, following a tragic multi-vehicle collision involving a stray cow that claimed the life of 21-year-old Valentine Bailey.

The accident, which occurred on Tuesday, October 15 in New Bowens, Clarendon, highlights the significant dangers posed by unsecured animals on the nation’s roadways.

In expressing his condolences to the family of the deceased, Vaz said: “This incident is a stark reminder of the potentially fatal consequences when animals are left unsecured near roadways. We must take collective responsibility to ensure that our roads are safe for all users. It is critical that farmers across Jamaica take the necessary steps to properly secure their livestock, thereby reducing the risk of accidents that endanger human lives.”

The minister acknowledged that while road safety is a shared responsibility among drivers, pedestrians, and various stakeholders, farmers have a pivotal role to play in ensuring the safety of the nation’s highways and byways. He reiterated that allowing livestock to roam unsupervised or unsecured poses serious hazards to motorists and pedestrians alike, as demonstrated by the recent accident.

Vaz urged farmers to explore available resources and work with local authorities to ensure that their animals are secured, further noting that the Government will continue to invest in and promote the use of technology in agriculture to prevent such tragic incidents from reoccurring. 

He concluded by reminding Jamaicans that “human life is priceless and securing our roads means securing our animals. Let us work together to prevent these senseless tragedies”. The ministry remains committed to improving road safety and invites all stakeholders, including farmers, to play their part in creating a safer Jamaica for everyone.