–Hicken, Traffic Chief tell minibus, taxi operators

DEPUTY Commissioner (ag) Operations, Clifton Hicken, and Traffic Chief, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram have met with United Minibus Union President, Eon Andrews and minibus and taxi operators and other stakeholders in an effort to ensure greater safety on the roadways.
The meeting was held recently at the Police Officers Training Centre at Eve Leary, here in Georgetown.
In his remarks, Commissioner Hicken urged the operators to continue to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines, and ensure all passengers wear a mask or face the courts.
The Deputy Commissioner reminded those at the meeting that speeding is a main contributor to the carnage on the roads, and that heightened police presence will be seen in and around the minibus and hire car parks to address this problem.

Operators and conductors were also reminded that “hot-plating” and the soliciting of passengers are unlawful, and that these actions are contributing to congestion and malpractices at the minibus and hire car parks. The Deputy Commissioner also called on operators and conductors to be more respectful and polite to police ranks, as confrontation with the police will not be tolerated nor condoned. He said, too, that a recourse is available for operators to make use of the Guyana Police Force’s open-door policy, or make contact with senior officers whose contact numbers are in the public domain. The Guyana Police Force is working to strengthen partnership with all stakeholders to ensure adherence to responsible behavior, and the responsible use of the country’s roadways. Also speaking at the meeting was President of the United Minibus Association, Eon Andrews, who highlighted that the pandemic is real, and that minibus operators ought to be more considerate of their passengers, as their safety during the health crisis must come first.

He said that while some are adhering to the guidelines, there are still a few operators out there who work without wearing face masks.
He said that it is this “dog-eat-dog hustle mentality” that keeps some operators from following the necessary protocols.
“The minibus persons at certain parks aren’t disciplined enough to enforce the rules, because what you find is that they are just thinking about making money, Andrews said, adding: “I mean, there are a few decent drivers and decent operators.”
Traffic Chief, Superintendent Ashram urged the minibus and taxi operators to abide with the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act Regulations, and to change their attitude towards the public, so as to build better police/community relations.