Dear Editor,
Finally there is a government minister with enough gumption to make a strong decision in the interest of the people, irrespective of the high amount of crticism being levelled at him.
The news that there is now a structured minibus park where, hopefully, there will be an orderly process of transportation comes as a welcome relief for those frustrated commuters who have frequently been subjected to the overloading of minibuses, loud music, disrespectful touts, conductors and drivers.
For too long the minibus transportation service was been allowed to operate virtually unregulated by the authorities. It has been because of the authorities’ seeming fear to implement strict measures that minibus operators feel that they have every right to treat passengers shabbily.
Just look at the total chaos that exists around the Stabroek Market area.
This is caused mainly by the minibuses that are haphazardly parked or illegally soliciting passengers while impeding the flow of traffic. This sort of chaos has also led to other negative implications such as petty thieves robbing commuters, or predatory adults waiting to harass schoolchildren who use the minibuses.
By creating a special bus park, traffic will once more flow smoothly around Stabroek Square. Persons can now take a leisurely stroll around the area to enjoy the offerings of Demico House or just absorb the beauty of the historic Stabroek Market unimpeded by a jostling crowd or the fear of being robbed.
Within the bus park, one only hopes that there will be strict measures in place to ensure that it is orderly. The implementation of this park should be the first step in reigning in the ‘wild west’ attitude of minibus operators. They need to be aware that they are offering a service to the public and as such should have certain standards.
Now that the Minister of Public Works has made this decision to implement a bus park one only hopes that the other authorities such as the police and M&CC also get on board and ensure that the park operates efficiently. It is time that passengers be treated properly.
Special kudos to Minister Benn for implementing the bus park. Please do not be hoodwinked, as other authorities have been, and fall victim to the many complaints of the minibus operators and rescind your decision. The minibus operators will always claim that their business is poor and that you are ‘punishing’ them. But the profits that they make far exceed what the majority of the working population of the country earns.
Photos of the minister visiting the bus park and meeting with the mini bus operators and walking around Stabroek Square is a refreshing sight. It shows that even though he made an unpopular decision to relocate the park he still has enough confidence to meet and discuss the situation with the people.
One only hopes that other ministers take note.
Yours faithfully,
M Emile
