In light of hundreds of drivers being charged for dangerous driving in the past six months, President of the United Minibus Association, Eon Andrews believes that by bringing all drivers under the umbrella, it will ensure discipline.
Andrews said that they are willing to work along with the Guyana Police Force to put a dent to reckless driving by bus drivers. He further added that the Business Ministry along with stakeholders will be holding several courses for safe driving.
“Some of these persons would have been in it whereby you will be taught safe driving, courtesy, first aid, tire safety…. they are going to be issued with a certificate”, he said.
Commenting on the issue of the driver who was sentenced to six months for allowing students to jump from a moving bus, the President said, “I cannot say that I agree with the punishment, I may feel he should get 10 years instead, somebody may feel he should get five years. According to the Magistrates’ Court, they have stipulated sentences for certain offences so he would not have gotten off. What should happen, they should increase these fines or punishments”.
Andrew also told the media that the drivers on the West Bank of Demerara will be dressed in uniforms with almost immediate effect.
Chairman of the La Parfaite Harmonie Union, Patricia Smith said that she fully supports the initiative and believes that it will bring structure to their jobs.
“Being here as a minibus driver, a lot of recklessness going, happening on the road. If we join with the Minibus Association as we do and get uniformed, everything would be at a standard”, she said.
