This page has been set up to seek justice for Justin Holland, aged 26, who was killed in a horrible, senseless and completely avoidable speeding incident while on vacation in Negril, Jamaica on Sunday, February 1st, 2009.
We have since learned this is not an uncommon occurance, and in many cases, goes unpunished.
If you would like to add your stories or leave comments, please do not wait for this page to be finished, start NOW.
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5 comments
Cee,
I am here for whatever you need. I cannot believe that knowing you for over two years, but just meeting and knowing your son for two days, would cause me so much grief. He was truly a ray of sunshine. We laughed and bonded on the fact that we are only 14 days apart in age and it was the first trip out of the country for the both of us. I cannot imagine what people who have known him for years are feeling right now. I am feeling really selfish and robbed by that piece of dirt that I didn't get to know him longer. You have been a guiding light and a voice of encouragement during what I thought were difficult times in my life. I can only hope that I can be the same for you and the members of your family...my new extended family. We will always be connected by this tragedy and for that, and that only, I am grateful. To the 22 people who departed from Jamaica, the 5 locals who shared our grief, and the one star-shining so brightly-who now resides in the heavens...I love you.
Cha
A.k.a. Shay (Nicknamed by Justin)
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/negrilroadsafety/ Sign this petition please
Hello all friends of Negril,
On behalf of Negril Businesses in particular, and all Jamaicans in particular, let me offer heartfelt condolences to Justin's family. We are deeply saddened by the incident, and I know words, or even actions will still fall short of repairing the loss and the trauma of this heart wrenching incident.
I totally understand the outburst of emotions and do appreciate that there are so many persons who, like ourselves, are passionate about seeing Negril upgrade to a level where locals and tourists alike are safe on our roads, verges, banks, and sidewalks.
I'm more than convinced that with the support of the online Negril community, the Negril Chamber of Commerce's drive to acheive this goal will be strengthened.
I have spoken to the Superintendent of Police for Negril and I have a few points to note regarding the incident:
(1) The driver of the vehicle has been charged with Manslaughter
(2) There was an eyewitness that has given a statement, and will testify in court.
(3) The police has concluded that there was excessive speeding
(4) If convicted, the jail time can be up to 15 years
(5) The Superintendent has modified his speed trap routine to include routine late night runs. (Previously it was heavily skewed towards daytime)
The Chairperson from the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association has been notified, and the Jamaca Tourist Board representative as well. They have committed to taking it to the highest offices.
I remind the online viewers and contributors that the members of the Negril Chamber of Commerce have spent decades in the constant fight to upgrade health, safety and security in the resort town, Protect the environment, and ensure sustainable development, to train our youth and to provide them with sports grounds, and activity centres so their minds and bodies can develop, we have created and operated a recycling centre to collect waste and recycle, we have spawned the Negril Environmental protection trust, the Negril Coral Reef preservation soceity,The Negril Local Area Planning Authority, bodies that work relentlessly to do good for the Negril community, and its people, Tourists and locals alike.
Many of the Chamber's members are small business owners that dedicate their time, energy and money to volunteer for the betterment of the resort town. Negril Police Station and The sewage sytem to years of lobbying...the Norman Manley Blvd, and West End road..... The speed limit signs and pedestrian crossings, and so much more.
My point is, the Negril Chamber of Commerce is already a very strong advocate for exactly what we are fighting for here. We therefore welcome the support, the petition is a wonderful idea, and will give us wind in our sails. A boycott however is stomping on the very ones that are in the fight with you trying to make a difference. Remember the seat of Government is in Kingston the Capital. Negril spans 2 parishes, Hanover and Westmoreland, and so both Parish Councils and Local Govt arms focus a lot more on their Parish Capitals (Lucea and Savlamar respectively). Thus the Negril Chamber and its hard working members end up having to fight so much harder to get results out of the Goverment. Being the furthest point on the island from Kgn, we are "out of sight and out of mind" quite a bit.
As the president of the Negril Chamber of Commerce, I will be happy to use the petition, the added suggestions, and all other forms of support to drive the goals of having a civilized pedestrianization of Negril's roads and speed controls/penalties to ensure maximum safety.
I would love for the emotions and the energy to continue to translate into structured plans and actions, so that at the end of it all, Justin's untimely passing will leave a positive mark on Negril and make the world in general a much safer place.
Carey Wallace
President
Negril Chamber of Commerce
Are there any updates on Justin's case?
What has been going on over the past year with Justin's, or should I say, Owen's case? Do you as Justin's family feel that justice has been served, or is Owen still free to speed around the countryside & the streets of Negril recklessly?
I'm sure that you know that there have been two more incidents, just this past week, in which several others like Justin have lost their lives to reckless, speeding, homicidal drivers.
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