HOW can people like us, breathing and living find words to convey sympathies to the families of the deceased in the most deadly minibus accident known in the County of Berbice? Families will be devastated because of the loss of breadwinners. Some will suffer immeasurably at the loss of a blessed child, or life partner.

Misery will visit the lives of the living families of those who have died a most heart wrenching and truly horrendous death. 

May the good Lord shower mercy on the souls of the deceased, and more on the families who live and have to remember this for all their lives: whenever they eat, sleep rest or relax.  

The horror of these deaths will visit their imagination with severity.

By studying the newspapers and accounts of the accident, it can be deduced that this dreadful accident, like most accidents, resulted because the drivers were impatient to get home or to their destination, maybe with the desire to get another load, make money. Impatience!

Many are known to be stubborn and do not like to listen. I have been begging drivers, including my own, that when they wake in the morning, they must clean themselves, do a religious prayer to suit their bearing, and five minutes of breathing and meditation for peace in the heart, asking the Lord to bless them and save them on the road, and return them to their families. When they reach the long distance location, meditate again and thank the Lord, breathing, and when home – Thank the Lord, pray and meditate.

Do not lie on the bed and pray. God does not like lazy people. Bow to the ground, face the east or the sea, or wherever, and breath and think Peace, Peace, Peace.

Constancy will bring providence of joy, safety and financial reward. Driving with desperation for ‘A Few Dollars More,’ and with passion, annoyance, haste and competition, usually attract evil, pain, death and destruction into their lives. Practice makes perfect, either way.

When I suggest a thing, or criticise a system, I always like to suggest an alternative. Otherwise I should not ask for an alternative or criticise.

Remove long distance minibuses:  reduce city numbers.

Immediately, politicians without vision, some in government and out will balk at me, and want to cuss me out. 

Yet some with vision and wisdom, will agree with me, e.g., The Hon. Robeson Benn, The Hon. Minister of Home Affairs, even His Excellency the President, and the Hon. Prime Minister. His Excellency and those agreeing with the idea will wonder what to replace the buses with, and what of the livelihood of the minibus drivers and conductors.

Minibuses have contributed to the society, but have outlived their usefulness.  They are to many, too much competition, roads and highways cluttered. Too much speed.

City minibuses must operate in reduced numbers, and must comply with bus stops or lose the licence to operate for five years.

BRING BACK THE 30-50 SEATER BUSES:
Some will say, well the ones brought from Brazil failed because the people wanted loud noise/albeit music and speed, plus they had no parking facility.

Well what is so difficult? The government has to have vision, charisma, and political will!  Maybe it is something that has to be done just after the next election, but one in which the rumour must go around that in about xxx time, long distance minibuses will be withdrawn, except for special hires to airport and excursions, not general transport of people. 

They can be used as special hire taxi in their areas of residence, and also converted to ‘G’ for goods vehicle. People always reject change, even if good, but cultures can change, with some preparation.

CONDUCTORS:
Only in Guyana is there such a thing as minibus conductors.  This is a ludicrous waste of resources for the owners and manpower. Conductors can work in the fields and farms, in stores, factories, construction and business, learn a trade and so on. Immediately remove conductors from minibuses, the drivers and owners can make some more money and/or reduce the fares with the savings. It started in the Burnham era, and need to be wiped out now. Work is available all over Guyana.

DRIVERS:
Some could go on to what is suggested above, becoming ‘G’ Driver, or trained properly, with contract for excellent behaviour and communication, personality development, etc, for the bigger buses. These drivers must receive quarterly refresher for a few hours.

BIG BUSES:
Big buses will provide more comfort and safety over speed. Drivers cannot exceed limits, motors will be fixed for maximum 60km per hour, but the buses will be equipped with air-conditioners, be clean and healthy, with taped music that is meditative and inspirational, or soft instrumental music, liked by most. No loud nasty noise or vulgarity. 

Many entrepreneurs will wish to invest in this, even this writer will be happy to provide a few buses at different distance points.

No conductors will be required for these buses, even though the buses are large. The drivers will collect tickets bought at certain spots marked or certified stores. 

Each vehicle equipped with a Satellite Tracking Device to monitor speed and movements, and satellite counter and camera to prevent persons without tickets from entering and dishonest persons from abusing the ticketing system, e.g. getting a short ticket and going a long distance.

Citizens must be trained with responsibility and honesty also. Drivers are to be dressed with a shirt and tie as a gentleman or lady, with excellent polite speech.

Buses will have one or two 10 minute stops for washroom or snacking. No eating or drinking in vehicles, except for healthy juices and light snacks bought from the bus driver. 

Heavy food bought outside cannot be consumed in the vehicle. Vehicles will stop at only designated stops, and some can operate express for those who wish to pay more.

RESULT:
People will become more disciplined; the music and motivational talk on Power of Positive Thinking, Universal laws of Attraction, etc.  The owners can even advertise positive commercials for good companies and school for self-development, and positive music and vocals will inspire and help in maturing and educating our people.
Girl children will not be prone to manipulation by minibus drivers and unhealthy and unhygienic conductors.  They will feel fresh and rested being air conditioned. In reality, we will have more positive people.

Start spreading the rumors now, and just after the election. Inform the nation, giving a six month period for people to prepare. That is, those wishing to bring in the big buses to operate on the road as approved by Government with a protocol of order created with shift or rotation of shifts. 
Also those who own minibuses can start conversion or selling their vehicles for other purposes. The drivers of minibuses can prepare licenses for ‘G’ vehicles, or alternative employment or trades and businesses, or training and employment with the new bus companies.

NOW PARKING IN THE CITY:
Where are the buses to park overnight or wait to reload, as is established and monitored in orderly societies such as China, Japan, South Korea, NY, other US cities, even South Africa, Colombia, Brazil, etc.?

The tarmac by the Cuffy square is ok. Or if some still have religious adherence to that spot, then, pave the east or part of east of that statue for the park.

It will become a hub of activities, restaurants and fast food, hot dog joints, and small quality shops and boutiques can be rented to people, not street vendors and ugly dingy spots, which usually have a culture of its own. 

Some of the ambitious street vendors can be given priority providing they can show discipline and decency and the financial capital to keep the spot.  It must be of a high quality; not a run down, low-life bus stop.  The spot can be rented or bought, small, and not exceeding 10ft. by 12 ft. I saw them well managed in China.
This is the only way to create order, and is an excellent start in discipline, and change of the minibus culture.

I say to the Government and people of Guyana, this is the way to go. There will always be critics, and objectors, so let them criticise and object. 

Such is expected in life. The Holy Quran says:  deaf, dumb and blind, they see not, and they hear not!

Mr. Editor, I am sending this letter to His Excellency, President Jagdeo, the Hon. Prime Minister, and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Luncheon, and some ministers of government, and Snr. Visionary Officers of the Police Administration; not the egotistical ones, locked in power and time hysteric warps. Some in sane civil society and opposition politicians as well.

Thank you, and again, sympathies at the saddest time for Guyana, and those who have lost.