HIRE car drivers on the Essequibo Coast are not pleased with the operation of private cars at the Anna Regina car park and have complained to Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt at a meeting held last Wednesday at the Region’s State house.

The Chairman who met with the executive members of the Minibus and Hire Car Association along with scores of drivers was told that the operations of the private cars at the park solicit passengers, especially during the evening and late night and that is affecting their business.

Executive member of the association, Naithram, said the issue with private cars operating as hire cars is a serious one, as it is a breach of the motor insurance regulations.

He told the meeting that the situation is now rampant.
Naithram said the private cars which are well decorated also play loud music at the park and while driving along the road. He alleged that the Traffic Police are not doing anything about the situation.
Naithram, who is also a Councillor of the Region Two RDC, called for immediate action to address the issue. He said the practice is unfair to licensed hire car drivers and it is not good from the police point of view.

He called on the association to take stern action to remove the private cars from operating  as hire cars at the Anna Regina car park.

Naithram also warned that he would organize a protest with drivers to highlight the situation in front of the Anna Regina Police Station, if the police do not address the issue quickly.

However, Police Sergeant Craig who was present at the meeting said the issue with the private car operators will be dealt with. He told drivers that a statement is needed from hire car drivers who witness a private car driver soliciting passengers at the park before any arrest can be made.

The Sergeant assured hire car drivers  that the police have plans to deal with the issue concerning private car drivers soliciting passengers at the park. He also gave his cell number to the drivers so they can make contact with him immediately, whenever they witness private cars working as hire cars at the park.

Meanwhile, the Region Two Chairman, after listening to several other complaints, called on drivers to bring about changes within themselves. He promised also that the issues will be addressed urgently.
The drivers said they were happy to meet with the Regional Chairman and interact with him. (Rajendra Prabhulall)