Dear Editor,
It’s been brought to my attention that a few minibuses’ certificate fitness have been revoked and I am looking to see the reason for such action. There are no details, just pics of the minibuses and some, seemingly colourful, which I presume to be wrapped. I presume the hired PR officials for the Guyana Police Force are responsible for the press release and are wondering why they conveniently omitted the details, which to my opinion, would have been very informative to the public, and would have assisted the GPF by reporting similar cases. Editor, there are still many lawless issues regarding minibuses and it amazes me to see many still working on the roads, and always wondering at what extreme they went to for them to obtain their fitness to uncomfortably transport commuters.
Most minibuses are purchased with locally built seats, and their construction is very flimsy. The seats are somewhat compressed, making it very uncomfortable for someone sitting, especially for a long journey. In addition, the seats are thin, and in many cases, you are practically sitting on the iron seat, with just a thin sponge, probably ½ inch separating your exterior from the metal. Over time, some seats deteriorate that they become flexible, bending forward and backward, and when weighed by passengers, the seats would tilt backward, causing discomfort and pain to those seated behind. In addition, some would have bolts and screws protruding, which causes physical and material damage to commuters, without any proper form of compensation except a rare apology, and in some cases, wouldn’t even be genuinely sincere.
When rain falls, some would be honoured to receive a few sprinkles/drops, and if lucky, could be soaked. Then there are the prevailing issues of overcrowding/ overload, which seems to reach such a stage, that an over-loaded minibus would pass the police standing in the middle of the road, and would receive a welcoming smile, that seems to encourage the driver to force more passengers into an already overloaded minibus. The reckless driving is another issue, but hopefully, the security cameras would assist in the future. Through the courts, these issues would be greatly reduce, if the Magistrates took the decisions to ban the minibuses from working for lengthy periods. I would be greatly appreciative to know if the inspecting officers venture into a minibus and sit on the seats or look around for evidence that causes damages if one is not cautious whilst moving around inside the minibuses.
Sincerely,
Sahadeo Bates
