Let’s not get comfortable with chaos (Pt 2)

Dear Editor,
Recently, Fire Prevention Officer Andrew Holder lamented the challenges the Fire Department faces in its bid to saves people’s lives and property. Mr. Holder was quoted in the media as saying that fire tenders with blaring sirens are ignored by minibus operators/touts until they “have filled and packed their bus, and until they feel they should move aside” to allow fire tenders passage to get on with the business of fire-fighting.
Obviously, the passengers are complicit.
To protect its people, the United Kingdom issued a terse travel warning to its citizens planning to visit Guyana: “Avoid Using Minibuses.” The advisory states that the buses are driven dangerously, and are responsible for the majority of road accidents in Guyana.
Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson, in November last year, urged commuters to speak out and condemn errant minibus operators, because remaining silent can worsen the situation.
Traffic Chief Dion Moore concurred, stating: “If we need our roads to be safe, then we must change our attitude when we use the road. Many times we see other persons doing things that are not in keeping with road safety practices, but what we do? We sit, relax, or we go about our journey without saying a word. If we speak out, we can make a difference.”
But to tell minibus operators to slow down their pace or to turn down their music is actually to make a conscious decision to incur their unrestrained aggression and abuse, making your bad day worse, or spoiling your good day. I believe that many people, already dealing with challenges in their lives, rarely want to make this decision; and decide to bear the discomfort and play a bit of ‘Russian roulette’.
However, I would like Traffic Chief Moore and others in authority to see how best we can protect our commuters and pedestrians. I have a few controversial suggestions in order to institute discipline. First, implement regulations for minibuses to be painted in a standard colour, and give owners six months to comply. No more wraps.
Secondly, make it mandatory for drivers and conductors to wear a specific type of clothing, maybe a white shirtjack and black pants. A neat identity card bearing their names and photographs should be clipped to their shirts at all times.
Thirdly, ban music on all minibuses providing public transport. I have seen Police officers turning a deaf ear to these moving dancehalls. I have also seen the Police attempt to stop buses from playing loud music on board.
What usually ends up happening is a silly game of catch-me-if-you-can. The drivers turn down the music when passing a cop, and turn it back up when out of earshot. So clearly, allowing music at a moderate decibel level isn’t working.
Fourthly, erect secret cameras at strategic locations to record those speeding minibus operators as they go about their business of adding chaos to the lives of Guyanese.
Fifthly, place more Police officers on the road, not singly, but in small groups of three or more, to make them less susceptible to being bullied by hostile minibus operators.
I believe that turning a blind eye to small things has propelled major slips and slides in our society. And similarly, by taking small, concerted and dedicated steps, we can restore order.
Let’s not get distracted with politics and oil while persons without respect for law and order run amok. Let’s not get comfortable with chaos.

Sincerely,
Concerned citizen