ENFORCING COMPLIANCE OF THE TOLL

Sep 11, 2015 Editorial

Every student of government knows that governing a nation is serious business. It is a process of thinking, influencing and making actions on behalf of an entire society. Therefore, reasonableness, commonsense and insights are indispensable to the process of policy development and implementation.
Inherent in this process is the view that government is not only involved in the formulation and implementation of policies that identify and benefit the people, but is also focused on the appropriate mechanisms to make sure those policies are implemented as planned.
This is precisely what governments are supposed to do; make decisions for the good of all in society. Consequently, the decisions ought to be sound and logical.
Most governments have used the process to accomplish those things that are fundamental to the development of a nation and that can ultimately contribute to the greater good of society. There is no conceivable reason, besides sheer weakness or timidity for any government, be it the APNU+AFC or PPP not to know that governments are the final decision maker and should not back down or shy away from its responsibilities.
The issue of lowering the tolls on the Berbice Bridge has become a major controversy. It seems that the Granger/Nagamootoo APNU+AFC government is unable to enforce its decision to lower the tolls as planned. This was one of the promises made by the APNU+AFC coalition during the election.
Many thought that the promise was fulfilled during the budget presentation on August 10, 2015 when the Minister of Finance stated that the tolls will be reduced on September 1, 2015. They were wrong. Soon after the passage of the budget, the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) that manages the bridge defied the government. It has refused to lower the tolls on the bridge. Instead, BBCI wanted a 55 percent increase or an extension of 19 years to recuperate $1.5 billion in losses it claimed to have incurred over the last three years.
No one, not even the government could have imagined that the BBCI would be so callous to disregard its decision. Lowering the tolls on the bridge would reduce the cost of travelling for thousands of commuters. The action by the BBCI has attracted much controversy. While the arguments advanced, especially by the opposition PPP, have failed to address the real issue, the government and the general public have denounced BCCI as being greedy and selfish.
The government and the Berbice community claimed that the toll is too high and should be reduced. Their disappointment was profound as they watch the wealthy and privileged ripping the shirt off the backs of the less fortunate.
By snubbing the decision of the government, BCCI has also defied the will of the people. It is contemptuous, to say the least. This is the first real test to the three-month old coalition government which has to exert its influence over BBCI.
Failing this, the government is likely to face similar challenges. The APNU+AFC government has to climb down from the thrilling highs of victory and reinforce its decision to lower the tolls for the greater good of society. BCCI cannot and should not be allowed to dictate public policy.
It has to rein in BBCI. After all, the seat of political power lies with the government and not with BBCI and political power trumps economic power.
It is intuitive that those elected to public office, with responsibilities for governance are expected to function adequately and perform satisfactory without prejudice and in the interest of the people. This is, however, the candid reality. Therefore, it is not enough for the government to introduce ferry taxis to ply the Berbice River and for the President to say that the high tariffs at the Berbice Bridge are a hindrance to development.
The government must act to protect the interest of the people who are the majority investors in the Berbice Bridge. The government must enforce compliance of its decision. It has the power to abridge the contract.

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