Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced that special consideration will be given to bus drivers whose earnings remain a growing concern within the transportation sector in Dominica.
Since physical distancing measures were introduced in Dominica due to COVID-19, bus owners have faced significant financial loss as they were only allowed to carry one passenger per row. This created a huge burden on their pockets.
Health officials recently changed that restriction to two persons per row.
“Rest assured, in my address in respect to the physical measures, you will have some special consideration, so let us work with each other to see this through. Your government will look after the people of Dominica as we’ve done in the past,” the prime minister said during a weekly COVID-19 press briefing on Saturday.
Skerrit cautioned bus owners about “extraordinary” increases in bus fares and said that although he understands the challenges that owners face on a day to day basis as it relates to the reduction in numbers of passengers, he is against the increase in fares.
He said even if these restrictions were to be lifted completely, there are still some persons who not travel on buses consisting of more than fifteen people because of their knowledge on the importance of social distancing.
The prime minister added that the government will continue to take care of its people stating that bus drivers are as “special” and are as equally impacted as the persons who own small enterprises.
Meantime, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Mahaut Bus Drivers Association, Worrel St.Jean, said compensation for the services of bus drivers is welcomed as they are all operating at a major loss.
“We are already taking a 75% cut from our regional position because when you have to carry four people and your capacity is sixteen, that is already 75% short, so if the Prime Minister said he is going to compensate us for that, we are thankful and if he could do it as soon as possible, it would assist the bus drivers,” St. Jean remarked during an interview with Dominica News Online (DNO).
He indicated that prices of tires, oil and gas also put a strain on bus owners as the prices of these items which are essential to their trade remain the same.
With regard to the prime minister’s remarks about bus drivers who are increasing their bus fares, St. Jean said this is an illegal act as prices can only be changed by the Transport Board of Dominica.
He told our newsroom that more Mahaut buses are back in full operation because of the decrease in COVID-19 active cases but noted that there has been a decline in passengers as people remain indoors.
How many times that man have to lie to the people before they come to their senses.He take Dominicans for fools.
Some drivers were not even adhering to the one person per row and when you hand them a paper bill they want to take extra on you.
While they facing a 75% cut, others have completely lost their jobs, been laid off and don’t know where money coming from again. Some people don’t mind pay a dollar extra but only if you follow the rules. Take care everything go back normal the they want to keep price high. See how things never go down after Maria…
Skerrit, “…..Your government will look after the people of Dominica as we’ve done in the past.” This statement stretched my belief beyond breaking point. Really, King Liar?
*Lowest minimum wage in the sub-region
*No increase for essential public workers for many yearssssss
* Pensioners literally starving
* Bad roads and dilapidated bridges
* Mega public projects outsourced to foreign contractors
*Teargased of women and children
*Civil servants working in mold infested, leaky public buildings
I’m only just starting to list the ills and the hardships perpetrated against bona fide, born and bred Dominicans by this current overly dark, wicked, evil, quasi dictatorial regime.
Ibo MALAPROP France are you going to continue displaying your hate and jealousy for Skerrit for another 5 more years?
Didn’t the result of the last general election taught you a lesson?
“We will welcome compensation from the government say bus drivers”
Yeah Right but don’t forget to start paying you all taxes and national insurance when all this Covid-19 Virus thing is over I know for a fact some of you guys don’t pay a penny into the state but abusing the system not only bus drivers but a whole lot more…. By the way I have not heard Linton and his little monsters mentioned a word about the Marigot hospital that is under construction they all left their tongue inside their mothers
Which Marigot hospital, the one to be built in 2012 or one carded for 2016 by Mexicans or Japanese or fake news? Lol
Which Ghost, 👻get back to your graveyard you talking rubbish or maybe the Rum shop open tooo early 🤣🤣