KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister with responsibility for Works, Robert Nesta Morgan has expressed condolences following the tragic death of an individual who reportedly attempted to traverse a bridge in Easington, St Thomas, which had been closed by the National Works Agency (NWA) for repairs.

In a release on Friday, Morgan shared: “This is a heartbreaking development. My deepest condolences go to the family of the deceased and to the entire Easington community as they grieve this painful loss. At moments like these, our thoughts must first be with those who are mourning.”

He noted that the bridge had been closed by the NWA as a safety measure and that the closure was communicated to members of the community on several occasions.

“The National Works Agency closed the bridge for repairs in the interest of public safety, and that closure was communicated more than once. We understand the inconvenience that closures can cause, especially in rural communities, but these decisions are taken only where there is a real concern about risk to life and safety,” the minister added.

Minister Morgan also advised that the bridge is among those to be addressed under the Accelerated Bridge Programme, which was prioritised by Cabinet last Monday as part of a broader push to strengthen critical infrastructure across the island. The programme will target 47 bridges nationwide.

He also used the opportunity to make a careful appeal to the public to observe all safety warnings and barriers placed around damaged or unsafe infrastructure.

“I want to appeal to all Jamaicans, with respect and urgency, to please avoid crossing bridges that have been closed for repairs. These restrictions are not put in place to create hardship, but to protect lives. We ask every citizen to treat these warnings seriously, as no destination is more important than getting there safely.”

The Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, together with the NWA, say they will continue to monitor vulnerable infrastructure and advance the necessary works to improve resilience and public safety.