Dear Editor,
The government should be commended for their effort to help cushion the high cost of living, but the citizens need to play their part too. The Minibus Association had advised that there should be no increase in fares, yet the Linden transport services have blatantly ignored this. The increase in fares is for all public transport services. The ferry across the Demerara River is $50 ($60 after 9 pm); Central Mackenzie to Amelia’s Ward $80; Central Mackenzie to One Mile/Wisroc $80 (both of these destinations are shorter than the distance from Stabroek Park to Sophia, noting that the Wisroc buses most times drop you off blocks away from your destination and demand a full fare); Linden to Georgetown $900 (minibus); Linden to Georgetown (big bus) $600 or $700 (depending on the driver and conductor).
Taxis fares have increased by $100 to $200 more according to the destination.
It seems as though every time the government gives a small increase in salaries to help poor Guyanese have a better life, the prices of basic things go up even more than what was given, especially fares. Also, let’s not forget the many unemployed young men and women in Linden. There are those who attend professional, tertiary, and secondary classes and therefore are required to use several of these services on a daily basis. But then who cares? These drivers are only concerned about having their pockets filled.
Linden is considered by many as a depressed community, and while the world is faced with high prices for food, fuel and other commodities, I support the ‘grow more’ campaign. However, in the meantime while some have begun to till the ground, sow their seeds or wait on harvest time, life continues one day at a time. It is time that legislation – if there – be enforced, or if not be passed.
The government has disclosed that it cannot subsidize the electricity supply in Linden any longer because it is too costly; that therefore means that more of the little income people have will have to be diverted to pay more bills. As for the abuse of VAT by many store and shop owners, well that is another discussion. So I am pleading with those in authority to understand the plight of the many poor people within the Linden community and help us. If the present situation is allowed where persons can do as they like, the only ‘grow more’ campaign persons may resort to will be more of what was destroyed only a few weeks ago. However, I know that’s not what we want, do we?
Yours faithfully,
SD Walker
