press releases

Bridgetown, Barbados: Sagicor and Junior Chamber International (JCI) have joined forces to promote safety on the road for Crop Over 2019.

The non-profit youth organisation has partnered with the Caribbean’s leading life and general insurers to establish Safe and Sober Zones at events ‘Rewhine’ and ‘Fyah D Wuk’. The Safe and Sober Zones will encourage patrons to drink responsibly, promote designated driving and educate on safety practices to prevent drunk driving.

JCI Barbados’ President Janet Taylor said the idea for the Safe and Sober project, now in its third year, came about to combat the alarmingly high statistics for road accidents and road fatalities across the island.

“The aim of this project is to produce a national holistic road safety and personal safety campaign. We need to continue promoting safe habits during the season amongst our community, especially our youth as they enjoy the season’s festivities. We encourage event promoters to incorporate similar initiatives to ensure the safety of patrons and in turn, advise patrons to take advantage of these initiatives for their well-being,” she said.

In commenting on the partnership, Sagicor’s Vice President, Insurance Operations, Mark Prescott said Sagicor is pleased to be able to lead the charge for responsible driving at the events.

“We are pleased to be able to play an active role at these events and help patrons to realise the importance of driving safe,” he said. “It’s the festive season, parties are mounting up and people can over-indulge. We urge party-goers to plan ahead when it comes to driving responsibly. We all have the power and ability to help keep our roads and one another safe. We owe it to ourselves, our families and those who love us to get home safely. We want to encourage all patrons to not only look out for themselves but their fellow partygoers as one life lost to irresponsible driving, is one too many.” The Safe and Sober Zones will act as a space for patrons to rest and refuel, have access to bottled water, take the sober pledge as well as gain helpful information on responsible drinking.

CAP. 1: (from left): I pledge! JCI’s Dorian Winfield and Charlene Corbin join with Sagicor’s Mark Prescott and fellow JCI members Janet Taylor and  Michael Mayers in holding the props which will be available in the Safe and Sober Zones.