This morning, Ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, conducted a surprise visit at St. Jude’s Primary School at Norwich Avenue in Kingston with members of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), where she emphasized the need for students to practice proper road safety habits.

This surprise visit was part of the NRSC’s 2014 Back-To-School campaign. Last Thursday, as part of the campaign, Fraser-Pryce visited the students and teachers at her alma-mater, George Headley Primary School located at Baldwin Crescent in Kingston, where she delivered a similar talk about the need for the children to practice road safety, before she surprisingly gave the school $1-million.

“St Jude’s Primary School was chosen for the second surprise school visit with the NRSC, because this is one of the schools located nearest to where I spent my childhood days. I want to give back to the community of Waterhouse, primarily the children, so St Jude’s Primary School, which serves numerous children from that community, was chosen,” Ambassador Fraser-Pryce said in an interview following her talk with the school population.

During her talk, Ambassador Fraser-Pryce reminded them of road safety rules, starting with the number one rule, which is to “Stop, Look and Listen” when crossing the road. She also reminded them of other road safety rules, such as to “use pedestrian crossings, avoid walking alone and walk in groups when going to and from school, avoid using cellphones and other devices while walking, avoid playing on the road and talking to strangers.”

Mrs. Paula Fletcher, Executive Director of the NRSC, also addressed the students during the visit. Like Ambassador Fraser-Pryce, she emphasized the need for the students to obey the rules of the road and encourage their parents and guardians to do the same.

“It is important for us to all obey the rules of the road and encourage others, including your parents and guardians, to be careful when travelling on our roads. You should encourage your parents to drive within the speed limits when they are not and often remind them to be vigilant when they are transporting you,” Mrs. Fletcher said. 

Principal of St. Jude’s Primary School, Ms. Susanna Ainsworth, was extremely elated when Fraser-Pryce entered the gates of her school and said she was happy her school was chosen for the surprise visit.

“We are happy that Ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce chose our school for the surprise visit. We, the educators of St Jude’s Primary School, have a serious problem with getting the students to adhere to road safety practices, especially when travelling to the school. We are also very concerned about their safety when crossing the roads to come to school, as we have heard of numerous cases where our students are seen running across the road,” Ms. Ainsworth said.