The Premier and Labour Party government announced it has engaged a foreign consultant to oversee a new road‑safety initiative, a move that has drawn swift criticism from opposition leader Ben Smith. Smith questioned the decision to hire a former education‑reform contractor who had previously received an $8.4 million remuneration while delivering an education programme that ultimately stalled.

"How can a consultant whose company failed to deliver education reform yet collected a large paycheque be hired again for road safety?" Smith said during a press conference at the State House. He added that the public deserves transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer funds, noting that major elements of the education reforms were paused and many initiatives remain unfinished.

The government maintains that the consultant’s expertise in large‑scale public safety programmes is essential to address the island’s ongoing road‑hazard concerns. Officials said the contract will focus on data‑driven risk analysis, driver education, and infrastructure improvements.

Opposition members argue that the decision raises questions about the vetting process and the potential for conflicts of interest. The debate comes amid rising concerns over road accidents, with officials citing recent statistics that show a 12% increase in vehicle‑related incidents over the past year. The government has pledged to publish a detailed report on the consultant’s scope of work and expected outcomes by the end of the month.