The Ministry of Business is hoping to complete discussions on the draft Code of Conduct for minibus operators by the end of the month, following which implementation and enforcement will begin.
This pronouncement was made by Public Relations Officer of the ministry Cordell McClure yesterday. McClure told Stabroek News that some work is still being done on the code and currently the ministry is in discussions with the National Road Safety Council.
“When that is done, we just have to have a final look at it in terms of all the parties involved and then implementation should be sometime very soon. There should also be [a] press conference with all the parties,” McClure said.
When questioned about enforcement, he related that they are still “fine tuning” the details and that since there are different aspects, different authorities such as the Guyana Police Force will be tasked with monitoring different aspects of the code.
“The aim is to be ready by the end of the month and then to have all the other parties involved and [when they] have had their say, we can move forward. We just want to make sure that everyone is comfortable with the code,” he added.
Last week, the Ministry had published an infomercial on its Facebook page, highlighting several guidelines that minibus operators will have to abide by.
Among the guidelines mentioned in the infomercial were the proper display of fare structure, prohibition of loud and offensive music, prohibition of offensive language, and consideration for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Additionally, it was noted that operators and associated personnel are expected to wear uniforms, along with an identification badge or card.
The Code of Conduct will be mandatory for all minibus operators.
