FOLLOWING the implementation of the Minibus Code of Conduct by the Ministry of Business, United Minibus Union (UMU) President Eon Andrews says that some progress is being made by operators to get themselves uniformed.
While the behavioural aspect of many operators still leaves much to be desired, Andrews believes that “as the loop tightens,” and with the help of law enforcement, operators will eventually be pulled in line. “Bartica has embraced it about two to three weeks ago and I want to feel by this month-end they will be partially reformed,” Andrews said.
“They have identification cards which should be with them by this weekend [and] they have a warden also and they’ve gone as far as to say that you cannot join their route unless you’re vetted.”
Meanwhile, the UMU President updated that the Sophia route bus operators are in the process of collecting monies from their members to purchase uniforms which will match the color of their vehicular zone. The Route 42 and 45 minibus operators are also making efforts towards having uniformed members but Andrews says that the general process towards having all minibus operators on board is only gradually progressing.
“I know change is not easily accepted, especially in a society like Guyana where you would have been allowed to be undisciplined for so many years where you start taking indiscipline as if it’s a badge to be worn,” Andrews said. “The society in general is extremely undisciplined and the training that is going to be coming through the police, the Ministry of Business’ Consumer Affairs Department [and] us will obviously enhance the progress of the direction that we intend to go.”
A section in the code of conduct allows for training by the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department, especially for persons entering the field for the first time.
While commending the leadership of the Traffic Department, Andrews noted that some members of the police force will also have to be retrained to be better able to perform their functions in this regard. “It’s not going to be something that’s going to happen overnight but we’re going to get there and there’s going to be no turning back,” Andrews asserted.
To continue the UMU’s encouragement of proper garbage disposal among minibus operators and their passengers, the union handed over a number of garbage receptacles to operators at Bartica, while several other route operators in central Georgetown have received the same. In addition, just last week, Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, met with members of the Tuschen Organised Hire Car Service where he listened to their concerns.
The Code of Conduct for minibus operators and other personnel was launched in February, 2019; published and disseminated within the public. Operators have been given approximately two months to comply with the code after which the stakeholders involved will move forward as it deems necessary.
