Again, the issue of robberies at minibus parks in Georgetown has become a growing concern, posing a significant threat to public safety and undermining the trust in transportation systems.
This has been a sore occurrence, which the President of the United Minibus Union (UMU), Eon Andrews, in the past had been advocating for more law enforcement presence.
However, more serious is that children and their belongings are now being targeted with Andrews saying: “There seems to be a hunt for cell phones now and they are taking away these school children’s phones. This is a police problem.”
There is no doubt that minibus parks are vital hubs in our transportation network, serving thousands of commuters daily. However, they have increasingly become targets for criminal activities, apart from thefts, assaults, and other forms of violence occur in these public places. Such incidents not only jeopardise the physical safety of passengers and but also instill fear and unease among the public.
The impact of these thefts extends beyond the immediate loss of personal property. It perpetuates a cycle of fear and caution among young people who may now feel hesitant to use public transportation or be apprehensive about carrying valuable possessions in public.
The lack of adequate security measures has fueled this occurrence. We are not suggesting that the Police do not have a presence at these parks but from the reports coming out of the United Minibus Union it is clear that there is need for more presence. Some parks operate without proper lighting and surveillance systems, creating an environment ripe for opportunistic crimes. Moreover, the chaotic and crowded nature of these minibus parks during peak hours can provide cover for criminals to blend in and strike unnoticed. Additionally, the absence of effective coordination between Police and minibus operators exacerbates the problem. This disjointed approach hampers swift responses to incidents and prevents the implementation of proactive security measures. City Hall too has some burden to bare for the lack of lightening and security at these facilities. As was stated before, we are again calling for minibus parks must be equipped with adequate lighting, CCTV cameras, in addition to regular patrols. These will deter criminal activities and ensure the safety of commuters. Added to this law enforcement officers and minibus operators need to collaborate closely. Establishing communication channels and sharing information about security threats can facilitate prompt responses and preventive actions. To add another level of safety, educating commuters especially children about safety precautions and encouraging them to report suspicious activities can empower the community to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their own security. Improving the infrastructure of minibus parks to create orderly boarding areas and designated waiting zones can reduce congestion and make it easier to monitor activities.
It is crucial for the Guyana Police Force prioritise the safety of commuters by addressing these vulnerabilities systematically with other agencies. Investing in the security of minibus parks not only protects commuters but also strengthens public confidence in the reliability of public transportation. Curbing robberies at minibus parks requires a multifaceted approach that combines improved security measures, collaborative efforts among stakeholders, public awareness campaigns, infrastructure upgrades, and technological innovations. By taking decisive action now, GPF can create safer and more secure minibus parks.
We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the plight of commuters and children at the minibus parts who are increasingly targeted by opportunistic criminals.
