Several minibus operators had complained to Stabroek News yesterday that their buses had been “seized” by the police and that they had been offered no explanation.
However, when this newspaper contacted Trotz, he explained that some buses were pulled in because the drivers were in breach of their road service licences while others failed to amend their registration. Several Tapir vehicles were also pulled in at Springlands because of defects. Over at Albion, the issue was that many drivers had changed the colour of their buses but failed to amend the registration. Additionally, drivers at Whim were pulled in because of various writings on their buses which police said breached their road service licences.
Stabroek News spoke with one driver at Whim after he was released last evening and the man denied that his bus had writing on it. He said the bus has a ‘For Sale’ sign and nothing more yet the police pulled him in. However, he said the police also charged him with having a cardboard licence plate, but denied that this was the case.
Another driver/ owner of minibus BGG 7910 Davanand Ramdial alleged that he was physically assaulted by the police officer who arrested him. He claimed that the policeman chucked him and ripped off the chain he was wearing. However, the chain had been returned to him. Another driver/owner of minibus BHH 2730 Fasaad Baksh said he approached Divisional Commander Stephen Merai and was told that the arresting officers said the drivers were speeding. But according to Baksh none of the policemen had a radar gun to support such claims nor were any speeding tickets issued.
The drivers are calling on the Minister of Home affairs to intervene since the Upper Corentyne Minibus Association is dysfunctional. The other Route 63 drivers and conductors who were affected are M.N Seenarine driver/owner of BMM 2295, Krishnadat Sukhu driver/owner of BHH 8873, Parmanand Dyasindoo driver of BGG 7281, Winston Small BJJ 4511, Maneshwar Beanimadho driver/owner of BJJ 1923, Winston James driver/owner of BJJ 45 and Hansraj Chandradeo conductor. The men said their licences were seized but later returned to them.
A press release issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in October last year had stated that “members of the force are not authorized to take away driver’s licences or other documents unless the driver fails to give his or her name, address or the documents are suspected to be forged or unlawfully obtained”. The release also stated: “Traffic tickets are to be issued to errant drivers for minor offences.”
