Dear Editor,
In the space of I week, I have lost two dear friends due to the chaotic and virtually unregulated public transportation system in Guyana. I refer to the death of Minister Fox, and Ministry of Agriculture Extension Field Officer Olester Warde. Olester had plans to emigrate to the Caribbean but just a few weeks ago when we spoke complained that an opportunity had not yet shown itself. Now he has collided with a horse and died.
More than a year ago, hard-working Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn announced his intention to reintroduce larger buses to Guyana and phase out mini-buses.
Finally, the citizenry envisaged that in a few months, we would be seeing a well-run public transportation system again, with well-dressed drivers and conductors, conducting themselves with decorum, and once again giving public spaces in Guyana a semblance of order, as well as indicating to visitors that this place is being managed by someone, somewhere.
We thought that Minister Robeson, being a proactive and zealous Minister would have boldly implemented the plan with the same zeal we see him execute other required tasks such as his no-nonsense approach to demolishing illegal structures. Unfortunately, nothing has happened with this plan.
Is it true that many senior officers in the police force and at least one minister of government own mini-buses? Are the interests of various groups stalling positive reform in public policy towards public transportation? Have the decision-makers shyly walked away from a plan, especially since national elections are around the corner?
Yours faithfully,
Joycelyn Williams
