Dear Editor,
A few days ago, Guyanese officially welcomed Road Safety month. I am a daily user of the Route 45 Main and Lamaha minibuses. The ‘pitbull minibuses’ as they are commonly known, that traverse the roadways are a catastrophe waiting to happen. The majority of these minibus drivers are reckless, and have absolutely no regard for human life and motor vehicle laws. I have seen on many occasions that many do not observe the traffic lights or the stipulated speed limit. Having used this bus route for over eight years, it is evident that most of the drivers were former young, minibus conductors who are simply hustling on the road.
What is even more appalling is that our young people are waiting in droves in the mornings at the 45 minibus park by what is known as the ‘hotplate’ for these buses to take them to school “fast.” I recognise schools such as Christ Church Secondary, Richard Ishmael Secondary, St John’s College and a number of unidentifiable private schools, which are along the 45 minibus route. I was reliably informed that these buses do not drop students off directly in front of their schools.
No doubt such lawlessness does not take place when a police officer is stationed there. When an officer is present, I have seen the students temporarily migrate to the front of City Hall to await their ‘quick’ bus ride. Students themselves are to be blamed for such chaos, especially given the fact that sometimes it is well after 9 am and they are still waiting for their special ride to school.
At one point, I saw four students in the front seat of the minibus (exclusive of the driver of course) while the students in the back were packed up like sardines. It is common for these minibuses to have two small tinted windows on each side, so it is difficult to identify how many students are really in the bus. On one occasion, I made calls to several public schools to express my concern, but unfortunately the teachers could do nothing without the names or complete descriptions of the students.
I believe the schools need to be more vigilant in helping to weed out this common practice of their students. It is also my hope that the relevant police authorities step up their guard and devise a practical solution to the problem.
Yours faithfully,
Teshanna Cox
