MOUNTING concerns over rampant lawlessness, violent behaviour, and harassment by touts at the bus parks in Georgetown have reignited public calls for stronger enforcement and intervention by the authorities.
In a letter published in the media on May 13, 2025, Public Communications analyst, Blane R. Bunbury, described the Georgetown bus parks as “epicentres of violent, criminal and lawless behaviour,” placing particular focus on the troubling actions of touts, whom he labelled as “thugs—micro-terrorists.”

Bunbury highlighted the physical harassment faced by commuters, including pushing, pulling, and obstructing access to their transportation of choice.
“This situation demands urgent attention from the relevant authorities,” Bunbury stated. “Leniency from law enforcement officials has long passed. We should not wait until major issues arise before matters are handled.”
The growing public unease has prompted responses from key stakeholders, including the United Minibus Union (UMU) and the Guyana Police Force.

President of the UMU, Eon Andrews, acknowledged the longstanding nature of the issue but noted that enforcement lies squarely within the purview of the Police.
“We are doing our part, but we don’t have the power to enforce or tolerate this behaviour. The Police Force has to do their part,” Andrews said. He stressed the importance of collaboration among all relevant agencies to effectively address the problem.

Andrews further referenced a 2019 Code of Conduct agreement signed by the Guyana Police Force, the National Road Safety Council, the UMU, and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. The agreement, intended to guide the conduct of minibus operators, was welcomed by the sector but now faces new challenges amid worsening public behaviour around transportation hubs.
Responding to the concerns, Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh assured that systems are in place to curb disorder.

“We have roving patrols and static presence of traffic ranks that enable persons to move safely, especially in the market and bus park areas,” he said. Singh also pointed to the support of the Government’s Smart City initiative, which allows for remote surveillance via CCTV cameras installed in these busy areas.

Divisional Commander, Deputy Commissioner Simon McBean, reinforced the position, stating that police presence remains active in and around the bus parks, and emphasised that the force continues to work toward maintaining public safety.
Despite these reassurances, citizens like Bunbury are calling for urgent, visible, and decisive action to prevent further escalation and to restore public confidence in one of Georgetown’s most heavily trafficked areas.