Training sessions for minibus operators are expected to start soon due to a lax adherence to the Minibus Code of Conduct, head of the United Minibus Union (UMU) Eon Andrews has said.
A letter written by Archie Cordis and published in the June 11th edition of Stabroek News noted that there is an absence of the fare structure in minibuses on Route 21 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on the Essequibo Coast, although it is required by the law and by the Code of Conduct.
Other routes have also been resistant to embracing the Code of Conduct and Andrews said that in addition to visiting routes with the police and representatives of the Ministry of Business to sensitise operators, the union will also be starting training sessions.
“We will try to get maybe six to eight from each route every month to participate in training sessions but we have to wait on the Ministry [of Business]. They had a change of minister and so the process was slowed and they now have to go through the Permanent Secretary because it has to be budgeted for,” he said.
He noted that the Guyana Police Force is ready and has offered the use of one of its training facilities for the sessions. He further said the union is currently communicating with its members to adhere to the Code of Conduct, and noted that while operators in some places like Bartica and Berbice are complying with the rules, it has seen resistance from those that are based in Georgetown.
However, he noted that the UMU is of the opinion that progress has been made since the Code of Conduct was implemented and emphasised that it all comes down to monitoring and enforcing of the laws by the police and the Ministry of Business. “It’s a matter of monitoring or putting some pressure on the police to be more stringent. A lot of things just need to be enforced. They are trying, too, because they are picking up the touts but they reappear on the roads. But through the Road Safety Council, we are going to advocate for stricter legislation [so] that if persons persist with touting they should be incarcerated,” he said.
Andrews said that he has noticed a slight change in the “lawless” minibus culture but he’s hoping that more order will prevail.
“There’s less hot plating and there’s more order. There’s a lot of people who understand what it has to be and there’s a lot who don’t. It will take some time but there’s always people who believe they have a right to break the law or be adverse to what is correct,” he said, while noting that there is a need for higher penalties.
The Code of Conduct, which contains guidelines for minibus operators offering public transportation services, was launched on February 16th, 2019, at the Stabroek Market Square by the Ministry of Business.
Minibus operators are expected to abide by the code, which, among other things, prohibit sloud and offensive music and offensive language, and discrimination against the elderly, persons with disabilities, and non-nationals.
Operators are also required to wear uniforms, along with an identification badge or card.
The code does not permit operators to refuel their minibuses while commuters are on board. In addition, it stipulates that operators must at all times ensure commuters are comfortable during their journey and should not be rude or disrespectful to them.
