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Vaz urges witnesses to stabbing of JUTC driver to give information to the police

Published:Friday | April 12, 2024 | 11:18 AM
Minister of Transport Daryl Vaz - File photo

Minister of Transport Daryl Vaz is appealing to passengers and witnesses to Thursday's stabbing of a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) driver to tell the police what they know.

The driver was reportedly stabbed after he denied the request of passengers to stop in a non-designated area along the Portmore to downtown Kingston route.

“I applaud the driver for remaining calm under such circumstances and appeal to passengers and witnesses to come forward and tell the police what you know so the perpetrator of this heinous act can swiftly be brought to justice,” Vaz said in a statement on the incident, which was released to the media on Friday.

“The safety and well-being of our transport workers are paramount, and any act of violence against them is unacceptable. The stabbing of the JUTC driver is not only a tragic event but also a stark reminder of the challenges our drivers/essential workers face daily”, Vaz said.

He urged all stakeholders to come together to protect essential workers and vigilance on the part of JUTC drivers.

"I appeal to all JUTC employees to remain vigilant and report any concerns they may have regarding their safety while on duty," he stated.

He also added that the ministry will have to consider its options to better protect JUTC workers "who leave their homes before the crack of dawn each morning to provide service to the people of this country." 

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