Prashad exhorts commuters not to pay increased fares
MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad yesterday, again, exhorted commuters to desist from paying any increase in fares which has not been sanctioned by General Mini-bus Association, Guyana Public Transportation Association or Route 32 Mini-bus Association.
His exhortation was issued after a meeting with the Presidents of the three associations, Mr. Lylon Weithers, Mr. Vibert Belle and Mr. James Cowsil, respectively, at the ministry, on South Road, Georgetown.
“The recognised associations are working closely with the ministry to ensure transportation is at an affordable cost. The government is also working with the public, through the ministry, to ensure the price of fuel remains affordable, so that the consuming public will not be forced to pay additional fares,” he said.
Speaking at a media briefing, Prashad reiterated that the United Mini-bus Union is not a recognised entity and, as such, has no authority to announce a fare hike.
He said there are three recognised associations, with which the ministry has been working over the years.
“These are the recognised associations and we have been dealing with them for the longest while. When the price for gas went over the mark in 2008, we agreed that, once the cost exceeded a certain amount, then a fare rise would be discussed,” Prashad recalled.
He pointed out that the price of crude oil on the world market has gone up and, recently, the Guyana Administration took steps to reduce the excise tax on diesel fuel from 20 to 15 per cent and, only last week, further lowered the gasolene excise tax by one-third, from 30 per cent to 20 per cent, with the aim of cushioning the impact, on domestic consumers, of significant upward price movement observed in the world market for oil, while there is no excise tax on kerosene.
As to the implications of this action, Prashad stated: “Only last week, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh announced a further reduction in the excise tax to 20 per cent. So the price for gasolene is just under $1,000, so the arrangement is still the same and the Presidents of all of the Associations have not announced an increase in fares.”
Prashad also emphasised that only a few operators are attempting to bully people into paying more although the recognised organisations have not endorsed such action.
“They have assured me that there is no increase and we are urging the consumers not to be fleeced. Make sure you walk with exact money to pay the buses,” the minister advised the travelling public.
In addition, he noted, with concern, that the United Mini-bus Union is claiming that it represents the Mini-bus Associations, a claim that is false.
“The recognised bodies are the General Mini-bus Association, Guyana Public Transportation Association and Route 32 Mini-bus Association,” Prashad reiterated, as their representatives concurred that they have not sanctioned any upward charge.
Belle said, in the eventuality of the escalation in gasolene prices, then the Associations will come together to discuss what adjustment will be made to the current fare structure.
Cowsil said all members of the associations are to meet for discussions on the fare, until that time, there is no increase.
Yesterday’s meeting with the minister followed an announcement by the President of United Mini-bus Union, Mr. Eon Andrews that a $20 fare increase would be imposed as of yesterday.
In a telephone conversation with the Guyana Chronicle, he confirmed that several operators would be imposing additional charges.