The public transportation system at Mabaruma was this morning drawn to a halt after minibus and hire car drivers parked their vehicles citing police harassment from a young traffic rank at the North West District area.

The motorists allege that the officer, who was sent to the area some 6-8 months ago, has charged several drivers, resulting in them paying fines ranging from $15,000 to $45,000 for one violation.

Dexter King, a motorist who was vociferous on the issue, told the Guyana Chronicle that some 16 buses operate on the roadway between Mabaruma, Hosororo Hill and the remote community of Wauna and other communities along the routes.

The vehicles usually collect passengers at the business community of Kumaka, which is the sub-region’s main business hub. King alleged that the traffic rank has been making “ridiculous” charges, ranging from stops to collect passengers as well as parking in the cramped Kumaka Waterfront area.

He said Tuesday’s actions by the motorists were taken out of frustration. The situation resulted in many workers and school children being forced to walk several miles to and from work and school, including the North West Secondary School students at Mabaruma.

Motorists reported that the Regional authorities were forced to meet with them and a police Inspector this morning to avert a total shutdown of the transportation network in the sub-region.

Mabaruma and its neighbouring communities have experienced a significant climb in hire cars and minibuses operating on the roadways in recent years. The operations are not regularized, as no established routes have been named for the area.

The motorists noted that the strike may continue for the rest of this week, if their concerns are not addressed, including the removal of the traffic rank, as well as the absence a certifying officer from the area.