Upon arriving at the Piarco International Airport yesterday, I was informed of 6 fatalities on the roads on Trinidad in a matter of less than 24 hours. My mind immediately ran to the public transportation in my beloved St. Vincent & the Grenadines. This topic has been like a thorn-in-my-flesh for quite some time. I am extremely concerned about what obtains as a public transportation system in my homeland. My concern stems from what I have observed and now describe as the absolute recklessness and insularity of many of our omni-bus operators - not to mention that very little has been done by local authorities to regulate and regularize these operations. Please note that this is not a political matter; it is rather a matter of national development, public safety, and citizen security. While I am aware of the intricate socio-economics behind the local public transport system (of SVG) - whereby many ply their trade and care for their households - we cannot continue along the current lines of informality. It is imperative that we prioritize safety on our roads, while building service excellence to the general public. We must also understand that as we now seek to attract greater foreign-direct investments - with the coming-on-stream of our new international airport, a newly proposed city, and increased tourism products and services - there is an urgency for us to shift gears in order to meet (and even surpass) the highest international standards. Our public transport system is one area that has for far too long been overlooked in the grand schema of national development. The reckless driving, excruciatingly loud music, overloading/ overcrowding (of buses), and irregular operating hours must all come to an end. I am hereby totally in support of a revamped and regulated public transportation system in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Let us get the discussion going!!!
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 23:41:16 +0000
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