BY CLEMIA NEELY
Journal Staff Writer

As the number of cars increase in the capital and in other parts of the country, the
need to register and license them grows too. Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-
Davis, said on Monday during the Budget Debate in the House of Assembly that
the Road Traffic Department plans to expand its services to eastern New
Providence and to the Family Islands too.
“We recognize that New Providence has seen a population increase, and that a
fourth location is required on the island of New Providence. I’m advised that the
Road Traffic Department has completed an assessment and is currently working
with other stakeholders to have an office space in Eastern New Providence,” she
stated. “The location should be operational before the end of this year and will be
ideal for communities such as St. Anne’s, Fox Hill, Yamacraw, Elizabeth, and
Seabreeze.”
This move is expected to reduce congestion at other RTD locations and address
other challenges. Last year the Road Traffic Department re-located from the
Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium to the Summerwinds Plaza on Tonique
Williams Darling Highway due to health concerns expressed by the workers and
the start of maintenance and renovations to the stadium.
The Road Traffic Department was re-located to the stadium as a temporary
measure. However, this “temporary measure” lasted for six years.
The Minister also moved all head office staff to one location in 2024, stating that
over the years, the critical functions of the Road Traffic Department headquarters
being split at different locations did not enhance operational efficiency, ease of
doing business, or productivity management.
The Family Islands will get improved service too.
“A new office space has been commissioned for the Road Traffic Department in
Cat Island. Further, I’m advised that office spaces for the department will be
commission in Great Harbour Cay, Inagua, Acklins, and Crooked Island during
this budget period,” she explained.