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Berbice Hire Car Association protests ban on used tyres
More than 80 Hire Car operators attached to the Berbice Hire Car Association, on Tuesday braved the rain and stood in solidarity against the decision taken by government to ban the importation of used tires in Guyana. 
The ban officially took effect on April 1, 2017.
The drivers also protested the monthly self-employed contribution of $8,600 to NIS; a tax they only learnt of on Monday when they were stopped by officers carrying out a campaign at Whim.
One driver, 61-year-old Yadram Latchmanarine stressed that government needs to reverse the ban or come to a compromise that will benefit both the country and its residents.
He said, “I driving for a whole year now and it ain’t easy to buy tyre. This ban thing is putting pressure on the people and especially them drivers who can’t afford to buy brand new tyre. We is poor people. Where we finding money fuh buy new tyre from.”
The irate drivers explained that the list of disadvantages of having used tyres is still not enough to impose a ban.
Another driver noted that transportation cost will be increased if government is unable to find a solution.
“Is nah tyre does cause accident. Speeding and drunk driving does cause accident. Me can’t find $30,000 every time I need new tyre. Me nah even mek that kinda money every month. They just pressuring poor people. If we raise the fare, everybody gone cry and say it too high and still people will suffer”.
Former Regional Executive Officer, Dr. Veersammy Ramayya, also joined the protest line in support of the cause.
In an invited comment, Ramayya stated that government needs to find a solution to prevent further escalation.
Ramayya noted that the price of new tyres is still too expensive although government claims to have reduced the taxes.
“The quality of tyres I have seen is poor and the price is over $30,000 just for one. How can you expect poor people to facilitate such expenses?”
Veersammy further stressed that the NIS contribution is “inconsiderate”, noting that hire car operators make an average of $3,000 daily.
“How do you expect these people to pay $8,300 every month with all the expenses they have. And plus you want them to buy brand new tyres. These people have bank loans and they have to take care of their family. How you think they will do that if you take out NIS and $30,000 for a tyre?”
Drivers lamented that the NIS contribution was imposed without no consultation and called on government to review the imposed taxes.
During the 2016 National Budget Presentation, Finance Minister Winston Jordan highlighted government’s plan to impose a ban on the importation of used tyres in keeping with their vision to promote a green economy.
Although the move was applauded by some, others expressed concern citing the cost of new tyres despite plans to lower the importation taxes attached.
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