EARLIER this week, a letter was carried in this publication highlighting the vulgar, degrading and unsafe nature of Guyana’s minibus culture. Its focus centred on how it puts the life of commuters and other road users at risk, erodes moral values especially among learners and young people, and has become a public nuisance.

Unfortunately, the observations raised are not new, but given the country’s rapid development and the influx of foreigners whose interest is tourism or business, it makes for an interesting read. It also serves as a reminder that there must be robust action that involves all stakeholders.

In the opening paragraph, the letter writer asks: “When is it going to stop? When are we, the citizens who care about the future of this country and the safety of our loved ones going to see a change?”

Some would argue that the government, the legislature, the judicial system and the police traffic department must bear the brunt of the blame for what has grown into something so catastrophic, that it may take a herculean effort to remedy.

But, doesn’t it all come down to personal choice and one’s responsibility for their own physical and mental health and of course, safety? Passengers get into minibuses with loud, degrading music by choice.

The vulgar writings and what looks like scenes from a comic book printed both inside and out, sends the wrong message to our young people, whose minds are still developing. The minibus system in some of the Caribbean islands which survives mainly on tourism, has been criticised. But, it can safely be said that they are not as bad as what happens in Guyana.

Imagine being pulled and tugged on the ‘hotplate’ by touts whose sole purpose is to full the fancy buses whose drivers have total disregard for the line system. The loud music rocks your brain and you have to hold on for dear life as the drivers swerve in and out of traffic or does the unimaginable to avoid traffic lights or the waiting line of vehicles.

Our citizens and tourists should not be subjected to this. One of them may want to join a minibus to get from the bus park to the Botanical Gardens where they can enjoy the serenity of nature, the chirping of birds and the sweet smell of blooming flowers. Why must they be subjected to such an unsafe experience and put their lives in the hands of selfish, uncaring, money hungry minibus drivers?

More often than not, it’s a race to get as many trips as possible, even if it means breaking traffic laws and endangering passengers and other members of the public including themselves.
Interestingly in July 2019, President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews, had called for a complete restructuring of the country’s minibus culture as to him, it was a hindrance to the hospitality sector.

Andrews has always been outspoken. He must be commended for speaking the truth.

At one point, the union had implemented the wearing of colour-coded jerseys for mini drivers but that was short-lived because many did not want to participate.

Then the Ministry of Tourism initiated several consistent sessions with minibus operators but again many opted not to participate. Therein lies the problem; non-participation is a sign of indiscipline and while minibus operators provide a private service there must be some sort of uniformity and oversight.

Another issue of grave concern is the behaviour of schoolchildren who use minibuses as their mode of transportation. Many can be seen standing in groups waiting on special buses. Not only are they subjected to the loud, vulgar music but are being packed up like sardines. Oftentimes, the conductor puts a passenger in his seat and is contented with standing and sticking part of his body though the window exposing his underwear.

The minibus culture in this country is worrying. And unless, we act now, there will many more serious accidents and an unamendable deterioration of our social morals and values.