Roadtown, Tortola - Government signed a $475,802.00 contract with Mr. John C. Samuel of JoClaud Enterprises Limited of Trinidad and Tobago for the installation of two traffic lights during a ceremony today at the Premier’s Office.

Premier Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, in his capacity of Minister for Finance signed the contract on behalf of the Government.  In his remarks, the Premier said “the installation of the traffic lights will bring a lot of relief and ease the frustration of the motoring public.”  He went on to say that “drivers have waited for some time to get relief and I am glad that the hour has come.”

Also present at the ceremony was the Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Julian Fraser, RA.  He said the traffic light project was initiated in October 2007 and it is the first of several initiatives to relieve traffic congestion.  The Minister went on to say that the roundabout installation is what he considers to be a stop gap measure. “No consultant has advised us that allowing the roundabout to stay in its current state is a good idea, I on the other hand, conscious of social ramifications, have decided that we should try everything we can to see if it could work, thus the installation of these lights.”

The Minister also expressed that his ministry is working diligently on this project as well as other initiatives including amendments to the Traffic Ordinance, the implementation of Traffic Wardens and revamping the way transportation is managed in the Territory.  The Minister admitted that there is a need for Government to improve processes that would allow initiatives to move through at a more efficient pace.
 
The Minister also thanked his Ag. Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Samuel, Ag. Director of Public Works, Dr. Drexel Glasgow, the Attorney Generals Chambers, and Project Officer, Mr. Andrew St. Hilaire for their commitment to the project.

Speaking on behalf of JoClaud Enterprises Limited was Communications Officer, Ms. Ingrid Bernard, who gave a background of the company. “JoClaud Enterprises is a premier traffic management company of Trinidad and Tobago and we have been in operation for the past two decades.”  She further stated that JoClaud Enterprises Limited has a rich history and has established itself as a leader in installation and maintenance of traffic signals in the Caribbean.
 
Ms. Bernard said “trust is the partnership that drives this company and to demonstrate this, JoClaud Enterprises Limited is undertaking the full responsibility of paying for all equipment and all installation costs without requesting any interim payment until the job is done and the keys are handed over to the Government of the British Virgin Islands.”

 Also in attendance at today’s contract signing were Fourth District Representative, Dr. the Honourable Vincent Scatliffe; Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Rosalie Adams, Acting Permanent Secretary for Communications and Works Mr. John M. Samuel; Chief Licensing Officer, Ms. Lorna Christopher and Acting Director of Public Works, Dr. Drexel Glasgow.

 The traffic lights will be installed at the Road Town Roundabout and at the Admin. Drive and Waterfront Drive Intersection, as part of Phase 1 of the Waterfront Drive Modernisation Project.  Once completed it is expected that traffic will flow more freely thereby demonstrating Government’s commitment to implementing improved traffic management systems for Road Town. The installation is expected to be completed within three months.