Public transport vehicles will be allowed to keep the original radios/CD players they were purchased with, following deliberations between President of the General Minibus Association Lylon Weithers and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.

According to a joint press release from the Home Affairs Ministry and the General Minibus Association, a consensus has been reached on some issues pertaining to music and markings on minibuses.

It has been agreed that minibus operators who import buses with original combined radio deck/CD players with two speakers already installed on the dashboard or front doors will be allowed to keep these pieces of equipment. The release further said that if the radio deck/CD player is stolen or damaged, it can be replaced provided that the replacements are of similar specification, to the original unit.

However, the release said, “no amplification of sound is permitted, whether by way of power amps, tweeters, equalizers, boosters, or any other means, in any minibus or hire car.”

Meanwhile, the placement of six-inch sun visors on the top portion of the windscreen is permitted. The printing of names, slogans or drawings on the minibuses is still not allowed.

Further the agreement was made that “owners of minibuses will apply for the requisite permission to operate outside their normal zone, where this becomes necessary.”

The release also advised minibus and hire car operators that failure to comply with the laws and regulations governing public transportation will lead to prosecution.

These decisions were made following two meetings held on March 23 and on April 15.