Latest update November 8th, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

I have grave concern for our safety

Nov 15, 2014 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
A few days ago, Guyanese officially welcomed Road Safety month. It is with grave concern for our safety that I am forced to pen this letter.
I am a daily user of the 45 – Main & Lamaha minibus route. The commonly known “pitbull minibus” that traverses the roadways is an impending catastrophe to all citizens. The majority of these minibus drivers are reckless; they have absolutely no regard for human life and motor vehicle laws. I have seen on many occasions that many do not adhere to traffic lights or the stipulated speed limit. Having used this bus route for over eight years, it is evident that most of the drivers were former young, mini-bus conductors who are simply ‘hustling’ on the road.
What is even more appalling is that our young people are waiting in droves in the mornings on the 45 mini bus park by what is known as the “hot plate” for these buses to take them to school “fast.” I recognise schools such as Christ Church Secondary, Richard Ishmael Secondary, St John’s College and a number of unidentifiable private schools, but certainly these schools are within the 45 minibus route. I was reliably informed that these buses do not drop students off directly in front of their schools.
No doubt such lawlessness does not take place when a police officer is stationed there.  When an officer is present, I have seen that the students temporarily migrate to the front of City Hall to await their “quick bus ride”.  Students themselves are to be blamed for such chaos, especially given the fact that sometimes it is well after 9 am and they are still waiting for their special ride to school.
At one point, I saw four students in the front seat of the minibus (exclusive of the driver of course) while the students in the back were “packed up like sardines.”
If you notice, it is common that these minibuses are tinted with two small windows on each side, so it is difficult to identify how much students are really in the bus. On one occasion, I made calls to several of the public schools to express my concern, but unfortunately the teachers could do nothing without names or complete descriptions of the students.
I believe the school needs to be more vigilant in helping to weed out this common practice by their students. It is also my hope that the relevant police authorities step up their guard and devise a practical solution to such imminent danger.
Teshanna Cox
Concerned citizen

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 6th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

CWI Cricket West Indies suspends Alzarri Joseph for two matches

CWI Cricket West Indies suspends Alzarri Joseph for two matches

Nov 08, 2024

Bridgetown, Barbados – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has imposed a two-match suspension on fast bowler Alzarri Joseph following an on-field incident during the 3rd CG United ODI at the Kensington...
Read More
ExxonMobil Futsal Championship heats up in Linden

ExxonMobil Futsal Championship heats up in Linden

Nov 08, 2024

Harpy Eagles left frustrated by weather once again in Super50 Cup no-result against Scorpions

Harpy Eagles left frustrated by weather once...

Nov 08, 2024

Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate C/ship shifted to Six Head Gym

Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate C/ship...

Nov 08, 2024

All-round Jaguars clinch 3-wicket win over Pitbulls 

All-round Jaguars clinch 3-wicket win over...

Nov 08, 2024

GSLT20 ticket sales begin tomorrow at the local box office

GSLT20 ticket sales begin tomorrow at the local...

Nov 08, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]