IN an effort to foster camaraderie, the Minibus Operators Union yesterday held a day of activities at the Ogle Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara, with indoor games, food and drinks.The day of social interaction went rather well, as scores of minibus operators plying the UG/Industry route took time off to get together with their colleagues in an informal setting.

Frankie Mohan, a bus driver for more than 40 years, said that during the Christmas season, they were unable to hold a party; and since they saw it fitting to socialise, they prepared snacks, meals and drinks to observe the occasion.

He added that the UG/Industry group has about 44 registered members, and they have recognised the need to socialise in order to build on their friendship and unity through a sit down and lime.

Mohan stated that they have bona fide members but they want to set an example and encourage others to form their own association.

The group is governed by a Code of Conduct which was vetted by the Minibus Operators Union under the leadership of Eon Andrews.

There is a system in place in which minibus operators in default would have to pay a fine as much as $5,000, according to the Chairman of the group, Mark DeLima.

He stated that the funds garnered are put away for events such as the ‘get-together’, but the union provided the beverages. De Lima noted that they have a vibrant group and they get along well through cooperation.

The UG/Industry group was formed in April 2014 and came into effect in May that year. Since then they have seen positive developments such as the agreement in which uniforms/caps and stickers marked UG/Industry were introduced.

Since then bus operators on that route have been better uniformed and disciplined and their attitude has changed for the better. This is so because they now realise they are providing a service for members of the public, explained Tulsie Ramkissoon, a member of the group.

Meanwhile Anand Persaud, who is a newspaper vendor as well as a minibus operator for more than 30 years, spoke about his experience yesterday among a group of members who were preparing sumptuous snacks and meals for the get together.

Persaud said, “We have a turn system, no touts, and we are organised with cooperation and no confrontation.”
FREE TRAVEL FOR ELDERLY
He said that they are in discussion with the Minibus Operators Union as they want to implement a system which caters for the elderly, thereby allowing persons 65 years and over to travel free on that route as their way of giving back to the community. The group at present has a shift system in place which caters for UG students who attend late classes.

Persaud pointed out that they are also in talks with the union to erect a monument at UG and these are only some of the things they want to do as an organised body with the relevant approval.

Members pay union fees of $500 per month and UG fees of $3,000 monthly.

(Michel Outridge)