-Jagdeo
Government has set an August 2010 deadline for all taxis to have one colour with easily identifiable and appropriate logos, promising a two-year waiver of licensing and radio frequency fees for those who comply early.
Those who do not fit into the regularization move would find themselves in trouble with the police, President Bharrat Jagdeo cautioned yesterday during a meeting with stakeholders in the industry at the International Conference Centre, Liliendaal. The operators are to meet representatives of the Home Affairs Ministry shortly for a consensus on what the colour will be.
To facilitate the process, Jagdeo said, he will discuss with the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) the matter of granting concessions for spray paint and some sort of package is to be worked out with companies which do spray painting.
Further, he revealed an intention to put aside sufficient resources to fund an education programme for taxi drivers, providing basic knowledge about the country with some amount of first aid training as well, as suggested by one driver.
There was not much criticism of the announcement from those present, even though the cost factor was discussed and a call was made for the industry to receive the kind of recognition it deserves.
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee and Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad were present at the meeting which also touched on a range of issues affecting taxi drivers, most prominent among them, police harassment.
Before declaring the discussion open, Jagdeo informed that the country’s image was changing from primarily one that was a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) to one that “can pay its way”. He said too that the country is in “the forefront of climate change and there will be spin-off benefits”, which will be reflected in growth in many industries.
He emphasized that the taxi service industry was one that had to prepare itself and unless this was done, Guyana would be lagging behind its regional counterparts.
Jagdeo told the taxi drivers and service operators that proposals which have reached him range from prohibiting passenger seating in the front of the vehicle; mandating a glass divider inside the vehicle which separates the passenger and driver and also making compulsory the installation of tracking devices on cars. A metered system in place of the fixed charges for routes was also proposed, Jagdeo revealed, as well as the need for some standard uniform for all taxi drivers.
According to him, many of those proposals will require investment, but he said one which he had to make compulsory is the uniformity of all vehicles. He backed his proposal as one which would allow for easier identification of taxis wherever they are; would be helpful to the security forces and would also enhance the safety of drivers and passengers. Since 2002, hundreds of taxi drivers have been attacked and some murdered. Taxis have also been used in the execution of a wide range of crimes.
All the other proposals, Jagdeo said, would be treated as voluntary.
He stressed that at present the aim was to apply minimum standards to improve the service, but said that there will come a time when requirements would become more rigid.
No duty-free
Meanwhile, Jagdeo was firm in his stance that no duty-free concessions would be granted to taxi drivers, following a query from a representative of R&T Taxi Service.
A section of the gathering who met with President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday.
The representative said he believed the taxi service industry was a free enterprise in which many have made sacrifices, and so to effect a mandatory colour change would bring tremendous expense. He asked Jagdeo whether there was any proposal for duty-free concessions to be granted to the industry. He further suggested that some consideration be given to ensuring that the persons granted hire car licences are of the right age, with the requisite years of driving experience.
Jagdeo said duty-free concessions would not be considered and stated that while some will resist regularization, the requirements would have been greater if public transport was to be placed under the purview of the Public Utilities Commission.
However, he took in good stead the proposal for the police force to consider conducting tighter scrutiny of persons who are granted hire car licences, since far too many times when accidents happen, many question how the drivers involved were able to acquire licences in the first place.
The R&T representative also said that while the new demand is being put on taxi drivers, the industry was not being given the recognition it deserved as being so important to the development of tourism.
He then referred to the harassment of taxi drivers by traffic police officers, saying that while minibuses were given specific stops there were none for taxi drivers, who are often chased from areas where they could do business. He said one example was outside the Providence stadium. Many taxis are chased away by police ranks or asked to quickly drop off patrons at events and leave. The President urged Minister Rohee to look into the issue of the relationship between taxi service providers and the police. He noted the calls for specific drop-off and pick-up zones around the city, particularly during peak seasons.
The President said the regularization of taxis could lead to the establishment of a police standing order, which would allow for taxis at events to be parked in a designated order. He agreed that once taxis comply with the new rule they must be protected and allowed to ply their trade.
Pirates
“But what of pirates who hijack our turf?” one representative from the Airport Taxi Association asked Jagdeo. The man said though there is an established association at the airport, there are many taxi drivers who just show up there and are able to solicit passengers ahead of association members. He said the airport authorities have done nothing to help them even though the matter is raised at every meeting. He pointed out that all 47 members of the association pay $6,300 yearly and also pay separate fees for identification cards and passes. “But no one does anything for us,” he stated.
Jagdeo pledged to personally intervene in the matter and confront the airport authorities on the issue.
He also told the taxi drivers and dispatchers that another meeting should be held to discuss matters which affect them along the way.
If this is a move to curb crime, them it is very stupid!! and it will be very expensive for those who are working taxi by themselves since some of them if not most are still paying for their cars through the bank or the car-dealer….Many people are working taxi in private cars….so how will they stop this trend???
“Many people are working taxi in private cars….so how will they stop this trend???”…they have to fall in line.
SanHurst, sometimes we have to adapt to changes to bring about law and order.
How is it that of all the issues that is affecting this country the President came up with this fly-by-night attempt streamline the services that taxi services in Guyana provide? (even though it’s a good move). Any why is it that the President himself had to speak on this issue? Is he the mouth piece for Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of the Tourism?
Why is he cherry-picking issues to deal with? Why only zoom in on taxi services?
Why these sporadic and random attempts at improvement and development?
How about a plan instead to overhaul the entire public transportation system in the country?
Even a simple plan to the standard of ensure that all major roadways in the country are marked and painted (reflective signs and paintings, etc.) and not done only when there is some Big Event in Guyana to put on a window dressing for the people.
Well since a Vegas-style casino club is in the pipeline and which would be launched in the not too distant future, it means that we would be getting a somewhat increase in tourists in the country, so the thing to do is to make sure the essentials are in order.
You think the President gives a damn about the safely about passengers and taxi drivers? Dream on folks!
Why cherry pick the taxi man???
On another note,
Jagdeo’s LCDS (and many others) is based on the notion that global warming/climate change is human-caused. Once the UN-IPCC and Al Gore convinced the world populace (even in the face of strong opposition from scientists) that we humans are solely responsible for what is happening to our planet then they will then put systems, global systems (NWO) in place to address the ‘problem’.
“No matter if the science of global warming is all phony… climate change provides the greatest opportunity to bring about justice and equality in the world.” – Christine Stewart, fmr Canadian Minister of the Environment
that is the cost in doing business, get with the program.
all taxi should/must have a number on top.
Sh
This is a good idea. It’ll help people to distinguish taxi and their drivers from others. Not cool to jump in a car with your kids and its being driven by some grungy fellow who’s clothes smell like weed.
The most stupidest thing is when plain clothes taxi drivers follow or stand in front of you hollering “Taxi, Taxi” in your ear…
I’m sure someone post something similar to what i am about to say. As a firm taxi driver i think this is a good move and long over due. Whether it has to do with the level of crime, tourism or simply streamlining things i welcome it.
However, for Mr. SandHurst, to me, this is more of a revenue collecting thing in the long run, since the taxi industry generates large sum of money and just a hand full pay taxes and it is important that everyone contribute to the development of this country, once of working age. On another note i can’t see this having any effect on crime just like the removal of dark tint in the late 90s had no effect on crime perse. The only regretable thing about this announcement was the announcer. I don’t see why a matter like this has to be address by the President that beats me. This is Clement Rohee’s Job and the president need to learn how to be articulate and not tell people if they don’t comply de police will deal with them. No wonder the Police feel they can treat citizens anyhow. The police reaction will be, de president seh i should deal with ya’ll.
Bharrat allow your Ministers to do their jobs Please. Save yourself from the cussing.
The minister knows well how some of these drivers get the licence ,,THE BUY IT FROM THE SAME POLICE,,, and for colour,, it should be white because most cars in gt are white to begin-with.
S.F. he should have jitneys.A small bus the carries passengers for a small fare…like five cents.
i think there is a law that states that private cars should not be working as taxi but we Guyanese love to disobey the law of the land.if a person is still paying for his/her car it can’t be a problem if he/she had done the right thing from the start,that is to let they bank or whoever know that the car would be working as a taxi and not lie so as to pay a lower monthly installment. i am backing this law 100%
Monkey pon Iron,,take a hike,,,you are out of touch and need some rest…
Consistent and strict adherence to the norms and conventions are needed, especially in the service industry; this includes the Public Service, the utilities, the police, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, taxi-service, mini-buses, cake-shops, etc.; no matter what pretentious paraphernalia is promoted.
It is useless when laws/regulations are passed and they are neither respected nor are they enforced without prejudice or favour.
It starts with us—we have to be respectful and caring to each other: to show some tolerance, and understanding to each other’s opinions, beliefs, and inherent prejudices-which should not trample or transgress another’s presumptions or property.
This uniformity with the taxis is an inanity in its isolatory selection, but there must be a start somewhere.
And there must be a persistent, resolute continuity.
At some point and time Guyana has to be looked up to. We cannot continue to lag behind. Most of our Carrib neighbours have gone forward in this direction. I do not always agree with Jagdeo but, I am falling in line on this one. It will be a phase in process and I think he gave all interested parties a reasonable time the tow the line. From the early release and the little infromation we have as of now, some incentives and credits wild be given by the Department of Revenue for those taxi drivers who fall into compliance. This is a very good first step. It may take some time but, I think it is the step in the right direction.
GT has to create a better image for people coming to our dear land. First impressions count and means alot….. so, let us create a positive image, which by the way would definately assist in the ability to reduce criminal activity against taxi drivers…, track revenue corectly and create a standard zone based fare system across the board.
Let give it a try guys. This for sure, is a step in the right direction, worth the while taking. Get on board all.
PEACE.
Rodrick,,,I am hoping that Zaphur can read your comment and understand what is sense,,,look at his comments above, it will appear that he does not have a clue on how developments are done…
Paint all of them in Yellow, and place a number
Soldier, i wonder what you need to do since irn monkey must take a hike.
SandHurst i am sure there is a Ministry of Transport along with staff that is responsible for transport. This president puts himself into every issue.
I do not see this adjustment as bad it will bring about some order that this country desperately needs. I agree with Ginger56
lawless place like that wat to adopt some form regularising taxi service… so much more need to be done to get some of these things working, less corruption in high places, more traffic cops with good brains, leaders showing some sense of resposibility and digity and stop the trash talking because they can get me media coverange.
and y it has to take the head of state to make this announcement is that wat the officer holder turn to every his him and he is all that taxi taxi taxi just touting for coverage.
Monkey the idea is to make the colour of the taxi different from other cars.
They need 3 colours. Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice should each have their own colour!! While they at it they need to have license plates made in such a manner that ‘fake plates’ can be spotted easily.
Jagdeo micro-managing too much. This should’ve been Benn and Rohee talking bout it. Get some ‘real’ constructive plans before launching this project else it will be only another episode in the soap opera!!! But – What else is “new???”
Sandman, what you are missing is that I think that Jagdeo was told by his friends in NY that they want to go into the car painting business. Yellow cabs should be the color. You get the drift? ISNM
Now that Taxis can be easily identified, perhaps the Guyana parliament should table a bill to have the PPP apologists / members /constituents and sleepers, wear identifiable markings so that the rest of the oppressed Guyanese can see them coming from afar.
As usual BR you have made a reasonable suggestion. I think the people know them by the sudden change in their material well-being and unintelligible mutterings that make a brainless chimp appear to be a Nobel Laureate.
That is a good one.
I wish to lodge a protest. My blogs are suddenly coming under unnecessary censorship by SN.
Fifty percent of them are not being published while an additional 25% are over edited before posting. On the other hand, SN continues to allow attacks by PPP bloggers against my person.
I agree that saying the Editor of SN, Anand Persaud and Boyo from the AFC are PPP Sleepers was indiscreet. However, my statement did not cover new facts and I should not be unfairly singled out for punishment
Your rantings makes sense only to you… Cannot blame the SN moderator.
How about if we identify the anti-guyanese within our midst. We would like to see the ones who sow the seeds of division and instigate dissent.
Go sit on it and have smile and a Coke, Basmattie.
Give em hell BM.
BR – I want to inform you that your protest has be DISMISSED for not following proper blogging protocols. Your apology has been accepted…with some trepidation.
Bismattie, what you have suggested will cost too much money. Why not table a bill to have the PNC/AFC members/apologist/constituents and sleepers wear identifiable markings because they are in the minority whom are being so called oppressed??????????
Like about 30 of them:::We have to cut cost yea:::::::
ehehehehehehehe
I mean BR.
Balderdash! You PPP guards will not silence the people from dissenting against totalitarian rule.
Your vicious emails and blogs is just a panicked attempt to hold unto waning power. I am well aware of the frantic lobby you’ve mounted to muzzle the truths from being told.
Lol,, Evil,, the exact figure is 28…and i am not sure if Samaroo is there fully, if so then it is 29…
evileyes, i agree with you that it will cost too much. know why? them boys will scifer the funds…ehehehehehe.
These measures are long overdue. Guyanese living abroad who take taxis in NY or Toronto for example will understand these miminum stabndards in the public’s interests are needed.Identification and numbers posted in cabs are also a must and consideration be given for a drivers’ trade union so that they will not be exploited which some of them are……
Oh, me is forgot the bleating from the no hopers: “This is yet another sinister and cunning ploy by the corrupt, dictatorial Jagdeo government dem to take over part of the private sector transportation sector for its own nefarious needs. Despicable, cunning, condigninly mischievous and horrifically repugnant and malignant and ipso facto has to be condigninly condemned forthwith and demonstrations called with cardboards, me is say.Get demonstrators out on streets NOW !..Me is say…..”
That the Public Utilities Commission is trying to streamline public transport in Guyana is definitely a step in the right direction however the news article seems unclear about the following items:
1 No mention is made about encouraging a BUS SERVICE and this is a great hole in the mass transit system of Guyana. Dictator Burnham was responsible for destroying Guyana’s bus service however, since he has now been dead a long time WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?
2 Minibuses are the backbone of Guyana’s passenger transport system however the article appears to EXCLUDE MINIBUSES and seems to suggest a SMALL UNIQUE-BODY CAR design.
In the current climate of worries about global warning, it appears that a small-car system is less efficient than a minibus system. GUYANA NEEDS NEEDS TO ENCOURAGE BOTH.
3 It is a great idea for all passenger transport vehicles (including minibuses) to be one colour, with perhaps stipes for the Express Airport Service. An illuminated sign saying TAXI is also essential, however one must resist the temptation to over–regulate the private sector.
The good thing is that the early adoptors of the new systems would benefit financially and regulations will be introduced slowly to fine-tune effects before the systems become rigid.
This is definitely an improvement to the existing chaotic system but Guyana NEEDS A PROPER BUS SERVICE.
It’s funny Reddy how you site NY and Toronto but not Barbados as an example. NY city alone has more cars that all of Guyana. They probably have more taxis. I think the president needs to use his time better. Imagine the president making sure taxis are set in order.
Waste of time if you ask me.
Satish, that was a good one. Number one in your ordered list was a clear dig at them PNC people and i like how you did it, cleverly done. I am still laughing. Trust ya’ll Guyanese to find away around things. I like the New twist thou. LOLOL
Hey ready!what do you know about toronto? here they have small independent owner, that dont have to paint they car,you know whats cost for a paint job here….logo-yes clothing-no
Satish, I hope they’re listening to you… I think I said before sometimes you make much more sense than your government.
To your very valid points I would add that some of the LCDS money, if we must go that way, could be used for incentives to the adoption of hybrid vehicles by private sector operators in the public transit business.
Satish I think this is a good move.
However, seeing that we don’t have that many Airport Taxis, maybe Government should consider subsidizing the cost for the paint job, as a one time good-will measure.
I wish them well in this endeavor, and look forward to new things next time I go home.
Iron they have small independent owner but they have to paint the car with the colour of the service that owns the licence eg Beck, Ambassador.
Can’t blame Jagdeo for wanting all taxis to have the same colour from a’security stand point,’ but it could work for the terrorist too. Give the taximen the darn dutyfree concession so that they could afford quality vehicles and stop your rogue police from harrassing them for money. Notice I did not say bribe, because they do not have to commit a trafic offence to be stopped and asked for money.
good move this was due a long time…choosing the colour then no other vehicle should be allow to use that colour execpt taxis..
true guyanese…. what is the color of taxis in Bronx and brooklyn?… u should go back to guyana.. that can’t stop taxi from being jacked..unless u want them in uniform too…..
This is an excellent initiative, I am impressed. We have to do all that it takes to ensure that Guyana does not appear to be a backward place. Additionally, when you get into a taxi, you must be comfortable that it is infact a taxi. Now all taxi owners would have to pay appropriate fees though….interesting.
With all the hocus pocus politics, Guyana is a backward place. Thanks to the PPP.
i agree with u Cordell it’s was a long overdue move anyway
if they are so concern about public safety and implementing control on the private sector – then what about the institutionalization of public transportation.
“then what about the institutionalization of public transportation”…they(government)have promised that, however we are still waiting for that to be materialized.
The colour of the airport taxis should be white, and the others, yellow or orange. That will provide an easy differentiation between authorised airport taxis and the “pirates who hijack” their turf. Also, the non-airport taxis will be easily identifiable in a noticeable yellow or orange, which will also hopefully deter hijackers with criminal intentions.
They should paint all taxis in “Green”
Does the LCDS has a colour associated with it? If so then paint all taxis in LCDS colour.
Fair is Fair ….this a great move in the right direction however i think duty free concession should be considered or some kind of concession to taxi drivers…i was told that there is some arrangement for buses plying the Georgetown / Suriname route where buses bought in Suriname are charged less tax. this is by someone who bought one. I can’t say if this is for everyone or a selected few. But there must be a standardized approach to this.
Sounds like a good move.But the problem is so much taxi in Guyana,if one get’s hijack and a crime is committed the police will find it difficult to fine the perpetrators. Taxi drivers in trouble, they might get torture for information.
Cordell are you talking about Trinidad? I can remember ever seeing a yellow taxi there. Or all the taxis in the same color.
@ madman: Funny post!