TAXI operators and vendors at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo are at odds over the occupation of a government-funded parapet at the road front which was built solely for vending.
The Head of State intervened in the conflict after a visit to the community on Sunday and clarified that the vendors are the rightful occupants although he was willing to explore options for taxi operators.
The issue was brought to the fore after some taxi drivers enquired about the congestion on the parapet and it was discovered that taxis are occupying part of the area.
President Jagdeo reaffirmed that the intention behind government’s move is to build market tarmacs.
“There are several tarmacs at Parika, Mon Repos, Lusignan, Diamond, West Coast Berbice, all of which were built for markets, not for car parks,” President Jagdeo explained to taxi operators.
Several options were brainstormed as President Jagdeo assured that government is willing to help find a more convenient location for taxi operators.
Tuschen residents however, had their own reservations about the taxi operators that offer “short-drop” in the housing scheme, accusing them of being unreasonable in their charges.
Residents complained that the usual $60 charged for a short-drop escalates to $100 and operators are not being lenient even with children. This prompted the Head of State to propose a $40 tax on taxis using the parapet.
While many of the residents agreed with the proposal, taxi operators differed, pointing to fuel inflation and the corresponding hike in other commodity prices.
President Jagdeo then made another proposal, this time for a slot to be created for minibus operators to also ply the same route but at a reduced fare so that Tuschen residents are given options.
The taxi operators were again opposed to the suggestion, using the rise in fuel prices to justify their actions for an increase. President Jagdeo however, reminded them of the recent agreement to discuss fare increases if the price of gasoline exceeds $1,000 at the Guyoil gas stations.
During a meeting on April 11, between President Jagdeo and representatives of various minibus associations, it was announced that government has reduced the excise tax on gasoline to 15 percent down from 20 percent and diesel, down to 10 per cent from 15 per cent.