….says Minister Prashad
MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad has said that there will be no increase in minibus fares in Berbice and urged commuters not to pay any increase in the stipulated fare.
He was speaking at a press conference at his South Road office, in Georgetown on Monday, following reports regarding some Berbice minibus operators increasing their fares, especially in the Black Bush Polder area.
According to Prashad, he was informed by Chairman for Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha, and other concerned residents that some minibus owners in Berbice, particularly those in the Black Bush Polder area, have increased their fares.
“And it is alleged that they have done so with our permission – that is not so,” he refuted, reiterating that his ministry has not sanctioned any increase nor has held any discussions in this regard.
Minister Prashad however noted that he learnt that by yesterday afternoon, some of the Berbice operators had reverted to their old fares.
He pointed out that those persons who have increased their fares do not answer to any specific authoritative body.
“I want to alert the public not to pay any increase in fares in Berbice, especially the Black Bush Polder area,” he urged.
Prashad also appealed to other minibus owners not to increase their fares, especially since the price of gasoline remains below $1,000.
Prashad explained, “That is an arrangement we have – until it goes above $1,000, then we would look at an increase. So far most of the minibus owners throughout the country are in compliance with that, but there are a few sometimes who unilaterally do this (up fares) so we are asking them to desist from this,” he stated.
He reminded that the Government had adjusted the excise tax on fuel products to ensure that price of gasoline does not exceed $1,000, and only recently the administration took steps to reduce the excise tax on diesel from 20 to 15 percent, as a result of upward movement in the world market price for oil and in particular, as a result of increases observed in the price at which diesel is being procured from external suppliers.
Minister Prashad assured that his ministry continues to monitor the situation carefully.
Only last Thursday, Prashad said that there is no increase in fares for Route 32 minibuses at a press conference along with Chairman of the Route 32 Minibus Association, Mr. James Cowsil.
Meanwhile, amidst rumours of strike action by several operators on the East Coast of Demerara, President of the Guyana Mini Bus Association, Mr. Lylon Withers, in a telephone interview with the Chronicle yesterday, explained that the situation would continue to be monitored by the association.
He said, “I am not aware of strike action at this time, but if there is, then we will have to see what is happening and determine how to handle it.”