In response to severe traffic congestion that forced the temporary closure of Charles F. Broome Memorial Primary School on Government Hill, authorities are crafting a comprehensive traffic management plan. The gridlock, which disrupted classes on Monday and Tuesday, prompted a high-level meeting involving officials from the Ministry of Education, the Barbados Police Service, and the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Deputy Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles emphasized the need for both immediate and long-term solutions to alleviate the issue. The meeting, held on Wednesday morning, focused on identifying measures to improve traffic flow during peak drop-off and pick-up times. Beckles highlighted the importance of parental cooperation in easing congestion and noted slight improvements in traffic conditions on Wednesday. Principal Paula Toppin introduced new rules, including restrictions on parking in the layby and designated waiting areas, to address the problem. While traffic appeared lighter, some parents expressed frustration over ongoing parking issues and a perceived lack of enforcement. Calls for increased police presence and stricter traffic management were echoed by parents, who described the situation as chaotic and disrespectful to teachers. Authorities are now conducting a traffic study to develop a broader, long-term strategy to ensure safety and order around the school.
