THE Small Businesses Bureau has expressed disappointment at the United Minibus Union (UMU) for not responding to its request for a response on whether or not its members intend to reduce fares following the reduction in fuel prices.This position was advocated Friday by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Small Business Bureau, Mr Derrick Cummings in an invited comment.

Cummings disclosed, “We are disappointed that, so far, there has been no response from the UMU, even though I personally spoke with the President of the UMU, Eon Andrews, asking for a response or proposal.”

Cummings said that after failing to get a response from the UMU president himself, he contacted other members of that body, but that proved futile.

“If we don’t get any acceptable response within a week, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Irfaan Ali, will be encouraged or requested to take the matter further,” he said.

Cummings also stated that when the minibus operators wanted a relief because of the hike in fuel and other costs which affected their bottom line, “we met with them and bent over backwards and fulfilled some of their requests.”

He reiterated that the SBB is disappointed that, after a week following the press release, there has not been any response in the spirit in which they are accustomed to doing business.

He declared that in the interest of consumers and the travelling public, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce would have to take the necessary measures to resolve this matter with the UMU.

“I think Minister Ali will make a statement very soon as to how we move forward from here, if the minibus operators or union continues to ignore the request and refuse to pass on the benefit of the fuel reduction to the commuters,” Cummings said.
UMU’S RESPONSE
President of the UMU, Mr Eon Andrews, in an interview with this publication yesterday, said: “Yes, he (Cummings) contacted me personally, and I had promised to respond in a timely manner.”

Andrews said the SBB asked for a response in 24 hours, which he stated was not “humanly possible.”

He also said that he and other executives of the UMU, and other representatives of the other groups, met and arrived at a position which he intends to send to Mr Cummings as soon as possible.

“I don’t want to preempt anything, seeing that he asked for it and because it’s also from the Ministry. So it would be unfair for me to say what was that decision until I relay it to him first,” Andrews said.