NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A new amendment to Road Traffic Laws has resulted in added certifications for drivers at Bahamas Waste.
As of January 2023, the government will require all operators of heavy-duty trucks and vehicles to be in possession of a commercial driver’s license. The move which is part of an amendment to Section 35A of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2022, requires drivers to complete a 2-day certification/training course to be conducted by the Motor Vehicle Training School and thereafter by manual testing.
According to a statement, some 50 of Bahamas Waste’s drivers have successfully completed the course and testing conducted by the Motor Vehicle Training School.
The training certification will need to be repeated in three years time, and was offered to drivers across several Bahamas Waste departments including Packers, Roll Off, Vehicle Maintenance, Portables, Medical Waste, as well as Equipment and Facilities maintenance.
“The CDL course was useful because it taught you to learn your vehicle and its parts in detail as well as their proper operation and state of repair/readiness” said Facilities Supervisor Alexander Moore.
Each driver had their skills tested. In addition to learning updated road safety protocols, drivers were advised of the various road infractions and penalties and were also taught how to properly check their trucks.Â
“When I first heard about the CDL course I was like okay what new now, but after sitting in the classroom and going through the skills test I have learned more about the safety aspects of larger trucks and what to look for. Not only for my safety but, also for those on the roads” said PSD Supervisor Brenville Ferguson.
“I think it is a great program and I am glad I had the opportunity to take the course.”
Though legislatively mandated, the added certifications are in line with Bahamas Waste’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve of industry health and safety protocols – a trend that company officials said they hope to continue.
“Bahamas Waste is the leader in the waste industry which is why we thought it fitting to take the lead in having our drivers receive the mandatory testing and training,” said Human Resources Manager Ernestine Seymour.
“We are proud of their great accomplishment, and they have made a tremendous achievement of becoming certified.”
