Bus drivers concerned over new road tax; want fare hike

Buses parked in Roseau
Buses parked in Roseau

Some bus drivers and taxi operators are expressing concerns as it relates to the new Highway Maintenance Levy recently put in place by government.

They say if taxes on vehicles are raised, bus  fares must be raised as well.

“I believe if the tax is raised the bus fees should be increased too,” one St Joseph driver told DNO. “Because it’s a strain on us bus drivers.”

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Roosevelt Skerrit during his presentation of the National Budget for the fiscal year 2015-2016, held at parliament on Friday, revealed that effective September 1st, vehicle owners will be asked to pay a highway maintenance levy which will go towards maintaining the country’s main highways.

Dominica News Online (DNO) took to the streets on Tuesday to receive reaction from some bus drivers/taxi operators in relation to the matter.

“That extra tax will put a strain on me,” the St. Joseph driver said. “I mean we didn’t make trouble when diesel and gas went up and then government want to put that on us…bus drivers wouldn’t be able to take that.”

He believes that bus drivers and taxi operators should come together for a meeting to discuss the matter.

Another driver, from Fond Cole bus, said the cost is too high.

He is suggesting that government charge a lower fee to start-up the process and increase it gradually.

“I don’t mind they put a first $50, when we get use to it then they might put another $50, when we get use to it again put another $50,” he indicated. “You don’t just put a $150 just like that. My insurance I paying now to cover the bus and all the passengers is $6,000 … then to pay license fee and Highway Maintenance Levy is too much.”

He revealed he had discussions on Tuesday with other bus driver concerning the matter and the majority of them were not in favour.

“I don’t think anyone would accept that,” a bus driver from Mahaut told DNO.

He too believes that when the new tax comes into effect bus fares must to be raised.

“When this comes in effect automatically the bus fee will have to be raised,” he stated. “When the bus fee is raised up some way somehow the passengers have to pay it too, just like how we are paying because it is a normal thing.”

He said he has no problems with the new tax as long as the government make sure road conditions are improved.

“The road conditions have to be upgraded…make sure all the roads are proper,” he pointed out. “The government must make sure that the monies go towards road maintenance.”

Another St Joseph bus drivers noted that he doesn’t believe bus drivers should pay extra for road tax, considering the fact that most of them don’t make a lot of money on a day-to-day basis.

“Normally St Joe line running St Joe line … when we make one trip in the morning we have to wait three hours to make another trip in the afternoon. That means it doesn’t have a lot of people traveling,” he noted. “That going to hurt us bad because we are not making the type of money. We pay about $780 for license, when you add the $150 we will be paying about $930 and we are not making that kind of money.”

He added, “We have tires to buy, sometimes your bus breaks down, sometimes we have to apply for another loan in the bank to fix your vehicle. There are pot holes in the roads and no one is fixing it.”

The new rates (in addition to what is being paid) are as follows:

-Commercial vehicles: $150 per year
-Trucks and dumpers: $150 per year
-Private vehicles: $100 per year
-Motorcycles: 50 per year

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175 Comments

  1. Francisco Telemaque
    August 2, 2015

    “Francisco, this is one time I will agree with u, In the diaspora, the Govt. do raise taxes , when u leave one city to the next u pay a toll, they collect revenue from parking meters.”( BEB).

    BEB, it is not altogether true that we pay a toll by simply leaving one city to another. Let’s take California for example. I drove from LA to Vancouver in Canada, the only time I paid a toll was when went over the San Francisco Bridge. From Los Angeles to Tulsa Oklahoma one pays three times, and that is a matter of choice, If you chose to drive on the Turnpikes; you will pay.

    Basically all of the toll roads are privately owned, so you must pay to drive on them. Driving on Fast-tract is different. If you paid from city to you would be broke. Around Los Angeles there are dozens of little cities!

  2. MY 2cents
    July 31, 2015

    When are we going to stop all this hypocrisy in Dominica and keep it real? All them bus drivers while they playing things so hard they have how many school girls loving, letting them ride their bus for FREE and buying them $500 plus phones. Note to bus drivers – Instead of making all that bomb put that money towards your little $0.41 additional expense per day and don’t expect no passenger to pay you all NO increase in fares

  3. Ambra Battilana
    July 31, 2015

    You can strike but don’t block de road any road blocking will result in tear gas and bullets, nobody going to remove skerrit from office.

  4. Titiwi
    July 31, 2015

    When is the last time Roosevelt Skerrit took a bus? He is totally out of touch, protected, by armed men and surrounded by sycophants, who are afraid to tell him the truth les they offend him and lose their privileged positions? How does he know how real people live in Dominica? When last did he go and do his shopping,or visit a doctor’s waiting room. Yes mr. Skerrit, you are seriously out of touch and one day you will wake up like the Emperor that hath no clothes.

  5. The Facts - ON
    July 31, 2015

    Some people only think of their pockets. They do not think of the wear and tear of the roads from daily, excessive vehicular travel on them for miles.
    Consider, aside from bad weather, vehicles destroy roads especially heavier vehicles. Consider how many times the buses run back and forth per day, month and annually.
    You know what? Heavier vehicles should pay more then for they are harder on the roads. Therefore, they should not complain about the increased tax.

  6. The Facts - ON
    July 31, 2015

    Who do not like to hear and read the truth, too bad! They cannot prevent taxes from increasing. I reiterate this is the way of life, is reality for everyone who is employed and who own a business with no exception must face.
    You want highways and other good roads? Then you must pay for it.
    Those who pay taxes are in reality owners. When you pay this tax and you notice potholes, then you have a right to complain and request, hopefully respectfully that they be repaired as soon as possible. Then be patient. If you do not pay tax, then you cannot complain and have no right to complain.

  7. Oli
    July 30, 2015

    Let’s do some maths:

    – Commercial vehicles: $150 per year : $150 ÷ 12 months = $12.50 a month.

    You mean that’s what bus drivers making a big hoopla about, even asking for a bus fare increase?
    Save $12.50 a month in a cash tin for 12 months and you got the tax amount for the year.

  8. Brain D
    July 30, 2015

    If is to go sewo you all will spend but the taxes you’ll have a problem to pay it. For goodness shake it’s a year payment and not monthly smh…. Sacrifice to pay it because you all vehicle is important too

  9. bigger
    July 30, 2015

    Dominicans moan about every thing. In America you have to pay toll whenever you cross certain bridges that’s for road maintenance. In the UK if you are caught without paying your road fund license or insurance you will be in serious trouble with the law when we go to these countries we pay without question but here everyone wants to live cheap and smell sweet Magre SA

    • Titiwi
      July 31, 2015

      Min. wage in America at MacDonalds is U.S.$.15/hr! Do they pay that here at KFC or Pizza Hut – and that is one of the better employers. If you want to compare things don’t be selective but look at the overall picture.

      • MY 2sticents
        July 31, 2015

        Typical duminican always trying to miss inform people. No McDonalds starting of no worker at no US$15 as minumum wage.

        Here is a list of the minimum wage adjustments for 2015 in a few major US cities.
        Effective Minimum Wage
        Adjusted for Cost of Living
        for Select U.S. Cities (2015)[50][51]
        City Effective
        minimum wage
        Seattle $8.51
        Denver $7.57
        Houston $7.26
        United States $7.25
        San Francisco $7.03
        Chicago $7.01
        Boston $6.59
        Washington DC $6.53
        Los Angeles $6.38
        New York City $3.86

      • Titiwi
        July 31, 2015

        Don’t know where you got your info. from 2 cents but you sound like a real cheapo to me. Consult the New York State, dept. of labor for instance and you will find that as of 31 Dec. 2014 the min. wage in that State is U.S.$.8.75/hr. That is the legal min. wage – I know there are slave masters, who pay less. Even in the U.S.A. there are those who disregard the law.

      • my month is mine i can say what i want
        July 31, 2015

        kfc dominica paying $5 an hour that is wat they need to address karl to waked

      • Music Producer
        August 3, 2015

        Min. wage in America at MacDonalds is U.S.$.15/hr!???????? fifteen cents you say?
        And by the way it is not MacDonalds, it’s McDonalds. Being sarcastic is an art – you suck at this. Keep your day job Titiwi

  10. me
    July 30, 2015

    those bus drivers are too wicked.i can never forget a bus driver wanted me to pay 75 cents for my 2 yr old child from canefield to roseau by the bridge..the child sat on me from the time we got onto the bus to the time we got off the bus.

    • all of we
      August 3, 2015

      your child is under the insurance of the bus once she is on it… you have to pay… if that same child was on an airline they would pay sitting on you or not…

  11. I don’t understand what is the lament of that Bus Driver here.

    The Bus drivers of my village charge their passengers $6.00 round trip–they make several trips for the day. I am not sure how many buses are on that route–but I know that they are full before they leave the bus stand–which would be about 16 passengers.

    I am seeing that a Bus Driver can earn the money–$150. 00–which the government is charging for one year, in one day, and they have their earnings for the rest of the week through 51 weeks to do what they want to do with their money.

    But then again, this is the attitude of us, Dominicans–we do not want to pull out not even one penny, from our pockets, to help bring our homeland out of the deep; that is the reason we are still far behind–because development demands investment; small. medium, or large–the Government cannot do it all!

    • Shameless
      July 30, 2015

      “But then again, this is the attitude of us, Dominicans–we do not want to pull out not even one penny, from our pockets, to help bring our homeland out of the deep; that is the reason we are still far behind–because development demands investment; small. medium, or large–the Government cannot do it all!”

      Young lady please STOP talking about things you don’t understand simply to gain points from El Supremo. Why do you want the bus drivers to bring the homeland out of the deep when the Skerro Cabal insist on pushing it deeper? Please tell your god Skerro to STOP pushing Dca deeper because the bus drivers do not have a rescue plan. :twisted: . I guess FET was right all along.

      Assertive, NOT Aggressive! :twisted:

      • @Shameless July 30, 2015 The image that you leave with your comments are even better looking than you. You say what you want to say here–hiding behind a false name–the coward which you are–I will say what I have to say as well, you cannot stop me.

        I am not hiding behind anything–I can go home to my people in Dominica as often as I choose to do so–can you? Or do you have to choice but to spew your filth through the radio call and through you computer carmarer? Now think about that!

      • “One of the reasons Dominica, is so backward, and behind the times is because people are reluctant to pay taxes, the country can only operate from taxes collect for the people. Taxes dates back to the ears BC, all in the CE, in ancient Rome people paid taxes” @Francisco Telemaque

        Shameless this is from your FET, himself. Notice that his opinion is no different from mine–so what are you saying that he is right about? You coward!

  12. Jam Rock
    July 30, 2015

    This new levy will cost the bus owners $12.50 per month. By how much do they want to increase the bus fare in order to cover this amount. Recently when the cost of fuel was down, was there a redcution in fares?

  13. An Apple A Day
    July 30, 2015

    If my math is correct that translates to $0.41 a day. Are the bus drivers saying they must charge each customer a sum greater than that on each trip everyday if they are to remain competitive?

    • Music Producer
      August 3, 2015

      If your math is correct? You are soooooo sure of your math :mrgreen:

  14. bimb
    July 30, 2015

    I thought they said it was either more taxes or the CBI program. the CBI program would be to buffer extra expenses and prevent taxes from being imposed. thats what i read.

  15. Diamond
    July 30, 2015

    These bus drivers are too greedy ,what do you all want to do for yourselves? Everything concerning your vehicle is on the account of the passengers then. Pay allu taxes and shut up Gas prices went up years ago allu cry for bus fare to increase and it was, gas go down and no dog back.We the private vehicle owners have to pay tax too, should we have a meeting too? Should we ask for salary increase? stupes.

    • me
      July 30, 2015

      and with all that talk alot of them on the road with no license and no insurance. wicked bus drivers!!

      • The Facts - ON
        July 30, 2015

        Since they are carrying passengers, it should be mandatory that they have a license and insurance. Such vehicles should not be on the road at all.
        Is the traffic department authority or the government sleeping? If their vehicle is in an accident and passengers are injured or die, their beneficiaries should sue. Who will compensate the victims or their families, if the drivers have no license and insurance?

      • Francisco Telemaque
        July 31, 2015

        Facts, in spite of our backwardness, it has always been mandatory for trucks, mini vans and cars to have insurances, and the license you are talking about, when you register the vehicle; it states Licensed to carry X number of passengers.

        Bicycles were also registered, if you were caught riding you bike without that permit your bike was confiscated, I do not know if that continues after Independence. A prospective driver also had to take a test to ensure they knew the rules of Driving prior to the issuance of a driver license issued in three classes A, B, and C. I do not have the time to explain the classes; But my Dominica license from 1964 reads Class B.

        Drivers in Dominica pay an annual fee for their driver licenses, unlike America you only pay a one time fee, and if you are good driver every five years a now one is sent to you in the mail, until you get to a certain age you have to go to check your vision, and retake the test.

  16. me
    July 30, 2015

    Unless the prices raising comes from the Government of Dominica by extension the Board of Transportation, there is no way am paying any bus or taxi driver more than what i was told to pay (ie) 1.75 / 80.00 dollars. thats it.

    • Me
      July 31, 2015

      Well, they can always refuse to take you. Good luck.

  17. Malgraysa
    July 30, 2015

    I heard Dr. Fontaine state on Matt Peltier’s programme this morning that whilst the motorists are being hit with this new tax the Govt. gave away some E.C.$.5 million in duty waivers on private vehicles, imported between Oct. 2014 and June 2015. Each waiver has to be personally approved by the Prime Minister. The names of the individuals and the make of vehicle have to be be made public by law and are listed in the official Gazette. It is a situation that has persisted for some time and I was recently alerted to some of those imports going back to 2010. I will give two prominent examples, without fear of prosecution since this information is in the public domain and, which I verified for myself (Official Gazette 14 Jan, 2010 page 20):
    – Hon. Francine Baron, 1 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
    – Kenneth Darroux, 1 Pajero
    Let me assure you that there are more!

    • Thorbjørn Jagland
      July 30, 2015

      OMG Francine Baron, get a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, this is not fair, did she provide extra services?

    • anonymous2
      July 30, 2015

      Nothing like the double standard. The people that can most afford it, get to bypass the tax system at the port via the PM. This has gone on for too long at the port. I wonder if they will be able to pull it off in the future due to the debt now that the bankers have instituted their system.

    • Peter Potter
      July 30, 2015

      Here we go, some have to pay taxes and duties others don’t.

    • Me
      July 31, 2015

      But wait a minute, I am seeing the man from GIS in there too!

      Mervin Paul, 1 Mitsubishi Pajero in April 2010.

      For the past three days or so all I’m seeing on GIS is a continuous loop of the P.M. presenting his budget, not a word or sign of the opposition’s response. I believe that is called “imprinting” by psychologists but in this case it is like stale chewing gum. Mr. Paul, don’t you know that all state owned media must give equal time to the opposition but you are not really in charge, are you and must do your master’s bidding.
      You got your kado already so how can you act otherwise? I can not trust anything anymore coming from GIS to be unbiased mr. Paul and every time I see that logo appear I think of an abolo with a split tongue.

    • Tjebe fort
      July 31, 2015

      Check that. Price Jeep Wrangler Rubicon today U.S.$. 41,490 net in the U.S.A., say E.C.$ 112,000. Wow, that is not chicken feed brother. And to get it to Dominica you have to add freight again! That was a nice gift from P.M. Did not cost him anything but I bet he scored lots of Brownie points

  18. Tampa
    July 30, 2015

    For those who expect or suggest that the owners of vehicles should take action like what happen in the 1994 when DLP along with the bus drivers organized a strike against such action and blocked the road in Loubiere and Canefield, think again. Times have changed. We have become a more divided society. Those vehicle owners who belong to the DLP will never take action when they are getting a little milk from the milk cow. There is a strong fear of victimization if people were to take action. Remember the truck drivers protest action? The police dealt with them and I am sure that they are scared of taking any action again. So in spite of all the talk the vehicle owners will not take action. They are too scared of being victimized.

  19. Gregs
    July 30, 2015

    I own a bicycle

    • Titiwi
      July 30, 2015

      Greggs, I’m sorry my boy but that will be a road tax of $10 dollars for you next year. A wheelbarrow will be only$5.

    • anonymous2
      July 30, 2015

      Don’t worry they will put a tax on that also in the form of a ‘license.”

  20. scj
    July 30, 2015

    I do support the bus drivers for a bus fare hike, if the Government impose this highway maintenance levy.

  21. scj
    July 30, 2015

    Why do vehicle owners have to pay ‘HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE LEVY’? I and concerned Dominicans would like to know whether The Republic of China gave the DLP Government the Highway as a gift, and if so, why do highway maintenance levy has to be imposed on vehicle owners. Mr Skeritt, you and your Ministers should have consulted the people by having consultations/town hall meetings regarding this levy before its implementation. Please rethink, or else bus strikes will be inevitable.

  22. the system
    July 30, 2015

    That increase amounts to about $12.50 a month or 0.42 cents per day. come on bus drivers i see no sense in you guys wanting to increase the bus fares because of that road tax…besides you all benefited drastically when the gas prices went down because the bus rates never decreased..In other words suck it up and pay your road tax like everyone else…there will be no increase in bus fares…

  23. Lang Beff
    July 30, 2015

    Some of these bus drivers are too greedy. When the price of gas goes down they never considered putting down of the bus fee but a little $150 a year and they want to increase the fee. That is definitely not fair. Salary has not increased so where passengers getting the money to pay? Smh at these ppl

  24. playboy
    July 30, 2015

    I am absolutely 100% against this levy. But you bus drivers are making no sense in asking for a fare hike to buttress this new tax . In fact, I think you all are wicked.
    You all have gotten increase after increase as gas prices go up, and when gas prices come down, your fares do not.
    I have to pay the same levy. Who the heck is giving me any break??!!!

    • playboy
      July 30, 2015

      So let’s say the fare from point A to point B on a bus is $5.00. In less than a day, $150.00 would be back in the bus driver’s pocket. So in one day, he makes back what he was levied for a whole year. Then what?
      Increase in fare, my foot.

  25. grell
    July 30, 2015

    You all just start to suck salt,more to come from Skerrit,esp the st.joe bus drivers,sqeeze them Skerro,thats what you alll voted for,lots more to come.

  26. Malgraysa
    July 30, 2015

    This is a typical reaction by the govt. propaganda folks. All of a sudden there is a raft of bloggers, you normally do not see but all with the same message “portray the bus drivers as greedy, insensitive and small minded for objecting to such a small increase in their costs”. This time that tactic is too crude and too obvious. It is govt. that controls the cost of fuel and the cost of road tax and it is govt. that raised both. It is also govt. that controls bus fares It is mr. Skerrit and not the bus drivers! Yes, amortized the increase is small but beware of the straw that breaks the camel’s back and the the drop that makes the bucket overflow.

  27. De Brain
    July 30, 2015

    Well, well well! Get ready because I was realiably informed by one of the drivers from the east that people travelling to places like the Kalinago Territory and Castle Bruce will soon be asked to dish out $15 ONE WAY to or from Roseau. Yes I Skerrit! Give it to them Bossman.

    • Dominican
      July 30, 2015

      Your Brain aint working right cuz that cant happen without govt approval

    • Me
      July 31, 2015

      Considering that a taxi driver (which often is a bus) will charge you at least $80 one way from Melville |Hall airport to Roseau consider that $15 a bargain. No wonder they have a closed shop of taxi drivers that are allowed to operate taxi services from the airport. It is a racket.

  28. The Real Facts - ON
    July 29, 2015

    In order to defray the cost of the tax, how much would passengers be charged?
    When last was the cost increased for passengers and by how much?
    Dominica should have a national bus system. Maybe this will come in time.

  29. Jack wabbit
    July 29, 2015

    Them bus drivers need to concentrate on the issue.
    Government is being fair. When potholes in plentyful they want to raise fare saying its costing them parts. Now road nice allu saving a ton. Cough up the .052 cents a day. Jah man. Disgusting creatures allu calling bus drivers. Hate me if allu want.

    Oh yea. I hope govt find a way to tax bus drivers. Since its a business. And they , most of them don\’t declare their income to be taxed. :)

    Hate me or love me. It\’s the truth

  30. Lang Mama
    July 29, 2015

    While they raising your taxes they are providing duty free concessions to those cabal to include Mervin P, E Nanthan etc. DNO is not me that say anybody can order a copy of the official Gazette to see who got futy free on their SUV.
    So once again people doh pay the vehicle licenses these s are just taking you sleepy heads for a ride. They live secret luxurious lives all at your expense yet we must make the sacrifices. They ride in Rolls Royce and leave in expensive Hotels and collecting passport monies all while we are vanishing poverty in Dominica

  31. mine
    July 29, 2015

    Everything in Dominica is a problem you all just crying wolf wolf and wolf.

    • Titiwi
      July 30, 2015

      Of course we crying wolf! It’s wolf in the cabinet in sheep’s clothing. Wake up man.

  32. faceup
    July 29, 2015

    Bus drivers all you to lazy GO AND PLANT FIG 8-O

  33. Peter Potter
    July 29, 2015

    All you voted for Skerrit and now you are crying? Serves all you right! One day all you will learn. Hope it’s not to late by then.

    • anonymous2
      July 30, 2015

      It is already too late.

  34. Dominican dread
    July 29, 2015

    No body wants to pay the tax. …. Wat I think they should do is put a toll both at layou bridge both north and south bride to collect a dollar from every car that crosses no matter how many times they crosses. Then dat money would go to roads maintain . There is toll in every country except Dominica

    • Tjebe fort
      July 30, 2015

      You are talking crap. There are plenty countries that don’t have road toll. I know one France, that have toll roads, yes but you are not bound to use them and can go on their excellent highways instead. Holland and Germany have roads like the Interstate in the U.S. and the motorway in England and you don’t pay a separate toll.

  35. princeton
    July 29, 2015

    Funny enough prior to elections, budget discussion convened all over the island, to “say” there was participation. All of a sudden “five …more years” not discussions so that mean ” i have the mandate to rule and with not discussions whatsoever” Secondly I always know the licence fees was for road maintenance. I worked in it I know. I always hear Alleyne Carbon, God bless his soul, appealing to the police authority to collect cause the road need fixing. So that new levy is a reap-off. Lastly the bus fares increased when gas was on a steady increase, gs was going down the fares never went down. so no point to call for increase in bus fares. Get up bus driver stand up n call for this to be reviewed. we take everything lightly in this place. no increase in investment n private sector development instead increasing cost on the same set.

  36. kalinago
    July 29, 2015

    Any tax imposed at this time in the state of the economy is a reflection of a government failure, but the reality this is just the tip of the iceberg, 1billion plus dollars in debt, can you all remember in 2005 we under went austerity measures to reduce the nations debt, if the west coast road is grant money, the trans insular road to the airport is E U grant money, the Stadium grant money, then where has all these money been spent, Dominicans come to your senses, the opposition is not allowed to ask questions in the parliament. how are we going to know where has all this debt money gone to.
    can someone tell me what is our agriculture earnings in this country like wise tourism, service industry, manufacturing and alike, can’t you all see that Dominica in the O E C S is the next grease in the E U

    • kalinago
      July 29, 2015

      sorry for misspelt word Greece not grease

  37. john don
    July 29, 2015

    were was the opposition voice in the house, not one member speak on that tax. they could ask for a division.
    snacks should full our stomach not our brain.

    • Peter Potter
      July 30, 2015

      They were not allowed to ask any questions and the questions they are allowed to ask are brushed aside by Skerrit. What a great democracy we have have in Dominica.

  38. kalinago
    July 29, 2015

    Clearly this is a failed administration, just days ago the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance said that the economy base is made up of three components, tax, grants and passport sales but willfully omitted foreign exchange earnings, when the government willfully refuse to focus on foreign exchange earnings, yet it has over one billion dollars in debt, only fools that will allow themselves to be bribed with these floating programmes that is designed to catch a vote.

  39. Lee
    July 29, 2015

    That is just nonsence :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

  40. gadathy
    July 29, 2015

    i im a bus driver i im not a labourite but i im embarrass by the bus drivers who spoke to dno so what u all a saying the yard stick for raising bus fair is wen ever we have fuel.liscene and other prices go up thats rubbish if so is the case the country wud be in more mess than it already is the editor of dno shud protest to get more money bcuz he or she has to pay a 100 for liscene if so is the case private sector government wud have to raise salary but wat happen wen taxes go down we wud drop back the price its a shame i fall under the umbrella of bus drivers and its time they put a certification process for the drivers who do locals for eg while the dda is sayinh once u not leaving in dominica u ar a tourist and only a certify driver that can take u out for a fee u have many bus drivers who are not even fit to do locals transporting the soldiers on the hospital ship DDA minister of tourism where is the standard ?

  41. Hmph
    July 29, 2015

    The hike in bus fares should match the highway maintenance tax….. So let’s calculate
    $150.00 a year…….52 weeks in a year…..5 days a week….I’m going to estimate a bus driver can get a full load about twice a day? At 16 passengers on a full load.

    Okay I agree bus fare should be increased by roughly 2cents per passenger. The result should be equitable to all parties involved, i.e. passengers, bus driver and by extension the government.

    • Sense in my head
      August 3, 2015

      De problem is there is no 2 cents anymore so I guess they have to ask skerrit to jack it up to 375 then they would be able to get 5 cents lol take allu Maths serious them days you need it a lot

  42. bart
    July 29, 2015

    this what is going to happen when the govt implement haphazard economic plan without taking into the the multiple effect it will. Transportation is an economic linkage sector this means any increase in the price of transportation will affect the other economic sector. I quite disappointed that economist blanchard did not foresee such effect as she lacks foresight or may chose to ignore the effect in order to make her boss happy. I will try to explain in layman term. Economic linkage sector is sector that is linked to other sector of the economic. Therefore if you increase the transportation cost it will result in increase in cost in the following mark my words it is going to happen:
    Increase in busfare and increase in the transportation cost of goods this will result in the increase in the cost of goods on the shelves, increase in cost of energy;. increase in cost of construction materials since they have to be transported from the port to the distribution centre. econ 101

  43. July 29, 2015

    Pay the taxes that the gov’t want you to pay ,if the roads are not maintained as they should ,then you will manifest at a higher level,pot holes damages the vehicles and bring more expenses for drivers ,discomfort and delay to every one…the gov’t should determine the bus and taxi fees ,make sure that the fees are not increased by the drivers because the gas price increases..there is a certain number of people that every bus should carry ,see to it that it does not exceed that number because bus drivers are so greedy they build little wooden seats and place it next to the normal bus seats,this is not acceptable at all ,the day there will be an serious accident with a bus carrying more passengers than normal ,there is a great possibility there will be more casualties.

  44. Francisco Telemaque
    July 29, 2015

    Like it or not, that is the price people pay for progress; all over the world perhaps with the absent of places as Dubai, and the rich oil countries of the world in the taxes people pay, part of it is used for highway and feeder roads maintenance.

    In the United States, a certain percentage is added to the registration fee of our motor vehicles, that is an annual thing. Indeed if a levy is implemented it is also fair to increase the price of riding. The only problem I see is that the population of Dominica is very small, as such the revenue obtained from that source will very small!

    Secondly, passengers will be burdened with some added charge, if there was plenty of employment one would not have to worry, however the bitter and the sweet goes together.

    I do not hesitate to support the levy, although I am yet against the Mountain Chicken brain Skerrit, but I much prefer he implement levy, the money can be used to build a back-wall rather than borrowing from China and…

  45. M
    July 29, 2015

    I cannot afford an increase in bus fare. People are already paying more than they suppose to yet they are thinking about an increase. Not fair.That transportation system needs to be revised.

    Why is now the government putting all those taxes?during the election I thought the economy was good suddenly taxes are being raised.

  46. July 29, 2015

    After 22years I think its just fitting to have an increase. All major and village roads havecinproved immensely, why not contribute to its repair. Should Dominica go to China and others to help repair our roads. Hell no. Act 17 of 1993 made way for theast increase in vehicular rate. I say well done PM.

  47. putin
    July 29, 2015

    Slavery Dominicas working for bank and skerrit

  48. ArAb
    July 29, 2015

    There is no way bus fare can go up. Is not like Dominicans salaries are going up so why should the greater part of the public suffer. If this government is about economic development then they should give the drivers some incentive. They should wave the fee for them and not strain them. It is unfair to the public fees to increase. If fees are increased the drivers will make a lot more money that the $150 that they are crying for.

    Please bus drivers let your motivation be to request that the government not charge the fees for you but if you should give back and if you are late to pay you license then they should charge you that fee.

  49. July 29, 2015

    This is something else insurance and vehicle licence are already steep ,petrol , spare parts & repairs are sky high its areal struggle for the majority of bus driver as we do not have a large travelling population in comparison to the number of buses on the roads. the private vehicle owners will be under more pressure than the commercial ones because they are salaried and wages paid people who own a vehicle for necessity instead of luxury.Salaries and wage increases are not keeping up with rocketing prices and inflation.Now the taxi operators and bus drivers are now asking for and increase in fares and that now may create a domino effect and a financial vicious cycle. One of the reasons for insufficient monies for road maintenance is delinquent vehicle owners who are not paying their drivers and vehicle licences . In this day and age of computers the traffic and licensing Depts. have no excuse to be so incompetent & inefficient. Let us go back to the drawing board. .

  50. the bushmaninda
    July 29, 2015

    Even in the US where leaders pay homage to laws and the Constitution the high way trust fund gets raided, what will become of this highway maintenance fund in the land when no law on Constitution is the order of the day. The Bushmaninda has no doubt that the funds collected for highway maintenance will enter the black hole.
    Over the last fifteen years the government of Dominica has failed to grow the economy, now the people will be faced with many new taxes so that the government can continue operate. Hay folks more to come. The litter laws and vending regulations will be enforced. We already see the stepped up enforcement of the traffic and driving regulations.

  51. youth
    July 29, 2015

    Nonsense all you talking y not protest instead against the tax ppl already don’t hav money you all still want the bus fare to increase pure rubbish

  52. real possie
    July 29, 2015

    Dem bus drivers to greedy, when the gas price high they raised their price when it went back down they never brought it back down, a made 150.00 you want to raise fares for? I so want that consumer legislation to come in for times like these.

    • %
      July 29, 2015

      @real possie When you call the bus drivers greedy, how do you call those you are kneeling and stretching your hands to for crumbs? They are the real greedies and roadblocks to Dominicas progress. I think they should come together and demand an increase in fares. Too many times we blame the wrong set of people. BAD LEADERSHIP IS DOMINICAS BIGGEST PROBLEM!

  53. Titiwi
    July 29, 2015

    I see govt’s Goebels div, the propaganda machine is at work again trying to belittle the bus drivers for their concern. Well if the increase is that insignificant why bother in the first place mr. P.M.? It is ok for the P.M. to kick you in the balls but God forbid when you try and retaliate. Bus drivers, pass that increase on to your customers, that is only fair and blame it on Skerrit. After all it is he that increased the tax and furthermore agreed to raise fuel prices when the oil market is going down. And if you want to strike, strike! I don’t mind, not much to lose again.

    • BEB
      July 29, 2015

      If u were using the bus services u would’nt be talking that language. I know u would be saying that when the petrol went up the bus drivers raised their fares but they did’nt lower it when it went down

      • Titiwi
        July 30, 2015

        BEB, I do use the bus service and the drivers always treat me courteously, even though sometimes I have to ask them to turn down the music and they always oblige. I am with them. It is not a job I would like to myself, hustling every day for their money without security of income, when their bus is down they do not earn.
        They can not even set their own prices like shopkeepers do. I think govt. is taking advantage of that. They are caught in a corner and I will back the drivers, even if I have to walk for a while

  54. Doc. Love
    July 29, 2015

    If Dominicans don’t know Skeritt by now, they will never never know his again. Did the bus drivers really expect Skeritt to spend an alleged $30 million in December, to which they received most of that money and didn’t expect him to get some of his money back. It is not to late to teach him a lesson, Salisbury did it.

    • Doc. Love
      July 29, 2015

      Typo: never know him again.

  55. July 29, 2015

    KBCR I totally agree with your sentiment concerning those bus drivers. They’re a bunch of lazy individuals,driving crazy on the road with no thought for other road users. The pm is quite right to introduce this increase for the maintenance of the road. There are far too many bus drivers on the road.
    They would be better of going into farming or some other more worthwhile profession. Also they should leave those young girls alone.

    • %
      July 29, 2015

      @know it all They can’t go into farming. Skerrit and his gang of incompetent idiots have killed farming. In addition, they won’t be able to ask for feeder roads, because they will be tear gased! So they must drive busses to earn a living.

    • the fly
      July 29, 2015

      know it all , i like it you are the man.

  56. July 29, 2015

    @ why i totally agree with you when the bus drivers raise their bus fare who are the private car owners going to ask for a raise!

  57. Five More Years
    July 29, 2015

    What is wrong with those bus drivers? A little 150 dollars their king ask them to pay as part of their “sacrifice” for the country they already crying? So wah happen, is us consumers alone to sacrifice then? Boy make all you 150 dollars sacrifice yeh. Five more years, five more years.

    • %
      July 30, 2015

      @ Five more years
      While you are spouting your idiocy and toxic filth, do you know that the bus driver is also a consumer? I empathize with them, because things are economically terrible in Dominica.Some of these drivers cannot even licence their busses for a whole year,but do so for a half year.With the increase some may have to sell their vehicles.

      • Dominican
        July 30, 2015

        Advise them to budget properly. How many of them have a book and keep records? How many of them pay income tax? divide all their expenses by twelve and check it against what they make in a month, you will find that they have surplus but they don’t use it wisely. If the bus business is not working they should quit. Another thing, every lazy Tom dick and harry buys a bus without thinking of the market and the expense all they see is dollars coming in for another bus driver. I am sure they have no idea how much they want to raise the price to really account for the tax, its .42 cents a day so how much are they going to raise the price by? If they charge .50c a head you know they will be making triple or more than the tax? Now why squeeze the consumers on which they depend? Illiteracy is a menace to society.

  58. ?yhw
    July 29, 2015

    I do not see why the bus drivers feel the need to raise fares. The tax is going to be passed on to everyone, no exceptions. What should the regular guy in his car now say? What will the business places say, “We should increase the cost of goods to the costumers?” Why is it that everyone seem to be of the opinion that if someone gives you a pinch then you need to kick someone beneath you. A business place is asked to pay tax, it raises the cost of goods, road tax increase bus fares should too? What about those of us who don’t have anyone to pass it on to? I drive my personal vehicle so who do I charge a penny a day?
    I understand the hardship, it is already difficult for some bus drivers who struggle to make ends meet.

    • Sunday Islander
      July 29, 2015

      When the gas price went down a few months ago they said nothing! :?:

  59. %
    July 29, 2015

    You all bus drivers need to meet and decide upon the next course of action.Our president,who is the longest man in the OECS taught us how to do it years ago.Salisbury learnt from the tallest man in the OECS very well!!!! Come on man bus drivers!

    • the fly
      July 29, 2015

      % what are you on about, read cents in my head comment and learn from him or her .

    • Francisco Telemaque
      July 29, 2015

      Madam/Sir %.

      Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahah!

      What sort of action do you suggest the van drivers take: I did not see a single buss parked on the side of the street I saw all vans. Is it not better for our people of our contribute to the development of the country from our very own pocket rather than for Skerrit or any Prime Minister running around begging for money to do road repairs?

      One of the reasons Dominica, is so backward, and behind the times is because people are reluctant to pay taxes, the country can only operate from taxes collect for the people. Taxes dates back to the ears BC, all in the CE, in ancient Rome people paid taxes.

      We are a sovereign nation; hence we must be prepared to take care of our responsibilities, the four categories of payment displayed at the bottom of the article is affordable, that is peanut change to what those people spend on alcohol If someone doing business cannot afford $150.00 dollars per year. How much does a 12 oz bottle…

      • The Facts - ON
        July 30, 2015

        I agree with you. Some people want a progressive country and good roads but they do not want to pay for it. Really, the government cannot do it alone. Certain taxes must be paid.
        You and I reside in another country. As the cost of living increases, annually, most taxes are increased. Our income is not increased by that percentage. We have no alternative but to pay our taxes and increased ones.

      • BEB b
        July 31, 2015

        Francisco, this is one time I will agree with u, In the diaspora, the Govt. do raise taxes , when u leave one city to the next u pay a toll, they collect revenue from parking meters. If one would park their vehicles close to a meter and would think they would probably spend about 2 hours in a business place and would insert the equivalent of the 2 hours into that meter , if they would spend more time there, they would find their vehicle towed away to some pound, where they would then pay a hefty fine to tetrive it.
        Govt. could be collecting so much revenue from vehicles that are left abandon on our roads for long periods, these vehicles should be towed away and let them pay for repossessing them. There are other instances where the govt. could raise taxes from motor vehicles

  60. With cents in my head
    July 29, 2015

    Ok let’s see what we are crying over this time. 150 divided by 12 months equals $12.5 per month divided by 24 work days equals 52c a day. Wow! Now I would assume most bus drivers make at least 3 trips a day with at least 10 or more passengers all should agree. So when you divide 52c a day by 30 passengers you get 0.017 cents. So can you all please increase the bus fare by that. I mean this crazy, does everything have to be a talking point in this country. Come on man complaining over 52 cents a day stupsssssss. I’m sure that they save more than 52 cents a day on the eo Leblanc highway and on the road to de airport. Come on every day cannot be election.

  61. Salisbury Resident
    July 29, 2015

    Maybe the tax would be easier to take if it were on the gasoline. Maybe 1 cent per gallon as a tax. Not as hard to swallow as $150 in one payment

    • Dominican
      July 29, 2015

      They have a whole year to save daily for that payment if you add the top up to young girls you will get much more than 150 a day. They do not handle their money properly and u suspect their level of literacy is not high all they know is money money money

    • The Real Facts - ON
      July 29, 2015

      It is annual as also paying insurance. Once paid it will not have to paid for 12 months and to worry over.
      Divide $150.00 by 12 = $12.50 per month. If they were to pay it monthly, it could cost them more than $12.50. One set annual price is better.

  62. Anthony P. Ismael
    July 29, 2015

    Labor ka twavail. :-P

  63. Zandoli Girl
    July 29, 2015

    i find the bus drivers are soft. what about when mamo tried to raise similar tax by just 15 dollars. they took to the streets. are all these bus drivers dead now. come on

  64. Wow
    July 29, 2015

    You mean to tell me a bus driver cannot afford EC$2.88 a week, SMDH. We have to stop depending on government to do everything and start playing our part in developing the country. Bus drivers need to get themselves organized and start planning so that increases like these are not a burden when the payment is due. Start saving $3.00 a week in the bank or credit union and you will be able to pay that fee with no burden. Come on we all have to grow up and be responsible citizens.

    • The Real Facts - ON
      July 29, 2015

      A little money adds up and quickly. A piggy bank could do. :)

      • Peter Potter
        July 30, 2015

        Are you a bus driver in Dominica? Do you own a bus or any other vehicle in Dominica? Probably not. So, for once shut up and spare us all your ‘red eyed’ wisdom and comment about things that happen or do not happen in Canada!

      • The Facts - ON
        July 31, 2015

        Peter Potter, when will you learn to allow people to provide their comments? You provide yours. Are you a Russian or what, a dictator and oppressor?
        When will you learn etiquette – good manners and respect for others?
        When will you learn, free to agree and disagree without spewing insults?
        When will you learn to communicate amicably?
        You do not make a good communicator.
        You do not know how to communicate with your fellow people.
        You sound like an angry and miserable person who lacks a happy, peaceful heart and mind. Your crude, rude, immature and hateful words which you project give you away.
        You cannot even accept a sensible comment. You have a severe problem.
        I feel sorry for you.
        Learn the Golden Rule. For an adult, you have a lot to learn.

  65. oh well
    July 29, 2015

    But why are they crying ? Dominica nice , I love my Pm , Labour Ka tawyeve. Come on guys, Destra , carimi , and them gone , time to get down to suffering and all shall eat ok. Pay your dam taxi and vote again next five years ..

    • %
      July 29, 2015

      Morgan Heritage! Donny Mc Clurkin!
      Bus drivers, you all deserve the increase. You all need to survive too! If not demand to sell Citizenship !!!

  66. Merlot
    July 29, 2015

    That’s good!!! The PM said the economy is doing great, business is booming, there’s more employment…so this is a GOOD sign, right???
    EN CHOU ZOR…take it!!!! This is JUST the start….where all those labour ka twavay chanters? Allu haven’t feel NOTHING yet..TAKE IT!!!!!

    • %
      July 29, 2015

      The labourites are out there begging! SOME OF THEM DESERVE IT. They were the accomplices and facilitators of this evil rule over our land!

    • The Real Facts - ON
      July 29, 2015

      Times change. As the years progress, taxes are inevitable. Every driver will be affected; not only the bus drivers.

  67. KBCR
    July 29, 2015

    That’s the thing I cannot stand with bus drivers…every little increase in the cost of living they want to pass it on to the passengers who ride…If it’s not profitable to run a bus, then why are there sooo many buses on the road? I’ve never heard of people operating business to make a loss.

    Stop the crying and suck it up. In any case too many of you guys supporting little chicks/baby mamas all over the place. Save all you money and re-invest into your buses instead of the ‘bom’ all you making.

    • The Real Facts - ON
      July 29, 2015

      Whenever taxes/costs increase, clients, customers, patients and passengers eventually pay for it. This is the way of life.

  68. joe
    July 29, 2015

    Tell those concerned bus drivers to do the maths and tell me what increase in fares they want!!!!

    $150 a year is equivalent to $0.41 cents a day, how much tires that can buy for them?? Tell them stop crying the levy is across the board so stop taking it as if it is designed only for them!!!!!!!!!

    We need to be more patriotic and make our contribution to national development…

    What kills me is when the PM goes out their looking for Grants they complain they call him a beggar and that he is turning Dominica into a Mendicancy state, when he sells Citizenship they complain he is selling Dominica, now he put a meager $0.41 cents to maintain our highways they crying foul, so tell me how should the government RAISE MONEY???

    Maybe UWP can tell us they are the BRIGHT ONES!!!!!!

    • %
      July 29, 2015

      @Joe When last did the PM go out there and look for grants, and reported to Joe? Oftour all people, you now the PM business Joe? Man you are a liar. Nobody knows what PM does go out there and do, except when Angelos spies catch him and expose him.And he did not put a meagre .41cents to maintain Joes highway. It’s $150.00….You know darn well bus drivers dont operate the way you want them too.

      • joe
        July 30, 2015

        % You and your narrow mindedness and politically clouded stupidity and HATRED for the Hon. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit doesn’t warrant a discussion YOU LACK THE ABILITY TO BE OBJECTIVE BOSS!!!!!!!!!!!!

        Go clear your head!!!!!!!!!!

      • %
        July 30, 2015

        @Joe The truth hurts Joe. Well I will continue hurting you. By the way why cant you volunteer to teach the bus driver to keep proper records.You brought some figures there that most bus drivers will not see.Joe do you know the size of the cabinet? Do you know the NATIONAL DEBT Joe? Joe boy I tell you your bunkum,balderdash, idiocy and filth is testimony to the state of affairs we are in!

    • anonymous2
      July 29, 2015

      You know why?? Because it won’t be going to fix the roads. Wait for that article down the line.

    • oh well
      July 30, 2015

      @joe , I don’t think you yourself understand , what they crying about , When you were a child and your mother promise you she will take care of you , you held her to that promise right ? she tell you to do something and she will reward you and you did it and she doesn’t reward you , you cry your eyes out till you fall asleep and when you wake up you start crying again ,. This is what is happening to us in Dominica, During the election MR Skerrit ask people to vote for him for another FIVE years ( 5 ) and promise a better living without TAXES , so where were you when he promise that ? The sad thing is we are not children and we allow a little kid to fool us over and over and at the end of the day all you Laborites want to blame UWP, Edison James and Lennox Linton. Wake up joe and smell the coffee. Time to hold Your leader to his word ,I have no problem with taxes , but you cannot spent so much money on a campaign and make promises you did not intend to keep , that’s dam nonsense.

    • Sunshine
      July 30, 2015

      @joe…..i couldn’t of said it better myself.

  69. July 29, 2015

    Should i say, I told you so? i knew it was comining. we all in this together. How long? Not long. Five more years. SmH. The country nice Boy. Keeping it real! hear the cry of Groovers. Chubby here is your lyrics. ” Keeping Real. Pay up or shut up! or Park it! Keeping it Real. Take that to the Bank.???????

  70. OtherSideOfTheFence
    July 29, 2015

    Just an observation. I can see your concern if you pay $150 and they do not maintain the roads you travel on. But I honestly do think $150 a year is less than maintenance on shocks, brakes, CV joints and labor to install them. Better roads will suit longevity of the vehicle. So if you have paid your $150 and the roads are really not being tended to then I support your concern and fare hike 100%. Until then no…..

    Also they are proposing raising fares the $150 is roughly $3 a week (2.88 to be exact). If you only work monday to friday then thats 60 cents a day. And if you only have 10 passengers PER DAY thats 6 cents per passenger extra. Who are you guys really trying to fool about put a strain? The consumer has to eat the higher fares because they have a need for the service while you guys get greedy over paying and extra $3 a week. It only hurts your baseline, the bus rider. STOP BEING GREEDY!

    • The Real Facts - ON
      July 29, 2015

      They should not want the passengers to pay the full cost of the tax. It should be a certain percentage of the tax; no more.

  71. not againt
    July 29, 2015

    like i said before, Its not a highway tax ,its a cost of living increase. Domino effect. The poor people and the ones who try to get by on the little that they have ,those who are already stretched to the max ,are the ones who will feel it. Is that a move to justify RED CLINIC ? because the lines are already soooooo long .Thats to keep people going to red clinic and beg because they cant afford to pay their bills. Keep people eating out of their hands SHAMEFUL.

    • joe
      July 29, 2015

      Boss not against, if they are that poor i do not believe they will own a vehicle do you??? This is targeting only VEHICLE OWNERS!!!!!!!!!!! Read boss read!!!!!!

      • speak
        July 29, 2015

        Isn’t a bus a vehicle? Don’t you think the bus drivers will pass the burden to the customer?
        There are people who can’t afford an increase

      • not against
        July 29, 2015

        Joe. You reading but not understanding. When the bus drivers raise their fare is it people with vehicles that’s affected or those without vehicles that have to use the buses?

  72. Justkum
    July 29, 2015

    When will things become transparent in DA? I think the gov’t should state how much money they collected in Licensing fees last year against how much was spent in road maintenance..There was no report, no expression of need or deficit but just a hike in prices..JAH!!!!..
    And these insurance companies sucking blood from poor people..Every year you pay so much in insurance. Despite the fact that for years you have no claims, they never offer at least one free servicing for your vehicle.. gov’t should look out for it’s people..It’s Crazy!
    Further, I hope that after the first year a report is put forward as to how much money were collected under this scheme and how and where it was spent..Everything seems to be hopscotch with the planning process is this Country..Next budget make sure all the bridges are tolled to enter roseau..gov’t would make way more money that way and less ppl would complain..

    • Mamzel X
      July 30, 2015

      When i worked at the Licensing Division during the later part of the nineties, the institution was not computerized. Every receipt had to be written by hand. We had to go search in some old dusty drawers for records, that may or may not have been accurate….in those days we collected at least $400,000.00 in License fees per month! That did not even include vehicle registration fees.

      Now the Licensing Division has been incorporated with the Inland Revenue Division which is fully computerized and all vehicle owners’ information are up to date….I expect that they should be collecting a bit more than $400,000.00 now.

      By the way, I was always of the opinion that the Government should target delinquent motor vehicle owners personally instead of stopping people on the road…my idea was never taken up…I guess it was because everybody have a good ‘fren’, uncle, paweh, sister boyfriend child they knew, so dealing with matters such as delinquent drivers was too much of a delicate…

  73. spying
    July 29, 2015

    I understand that the PM could have stated this levy at a smaller figure and revisit it next Financial year. However, you pay less now for maintenance of your vehicle due to the improved Highways so stop crying. Less Tires, Less Brakes, Less Oil, Less wear and tear on your vehicles. If you want to ask for a raise in Bus Fare what then do you suggest should be raised for those private vehicle owners? Its only fair that they too are being represented in this debate or do you think its ONLY bus drivers that are being affected? This is what we need to understand the fact is we have improved road conditions which results in longer lasting vehicles and lower cost in running our vehicles and we must maintain those roads. We may have gotten them as gifts but we have to maintain them ourselves. However PM, I suggest you cut the levy by 40% to start with.

    • joe
      July 29, 2015

      Spying $150 a whole year wii you want that cut again?? We have 26k vehicles on island why does the bus drivers believe its them that are being targeted??

  74. tax is the backborne
    July 29, 2015

    more labour pain pm is working

  75. Respect
    July 29, 2015

    NOOOO!! I know this was coming!!

  76. Mark
    July 29, 2015

    Though I don’t agree with this new tax, the bus drivers cannot expect to increase bus fare on the people. The reason why some of them are not making money, is because there are too many buses on the road. These days all young boys want to drive buses rather that going into other types of work like Agriculture, and it’s hurting the bus market.

    • %
      July 29, 2015

      @ mark But I find that you are rude and out of place! In a free market can you tell people, the young ones you mentioned, which area they should invest in? So you are justifying the tax by blaming the young people?You sound ludicrous!! Do you know what the young people of Salisbury are enduring from a wicked and brutal government, because they like the same agriculture you mentioned?You must leave Mars, and come to Dominica and live!

      • the fly
        July 29, 2015

        % you were very rude to MARK people like you need to learn, your brains is in a bag down your pants ,

  77. mine
    July 29, 2015

    Come on guys I know things are hard Its every year not every month.

    • Zandoli Girl
      July 29, 2015

      i guess ur economy is doing well. some people are just insensitive

  78. The Voice
    July 29, 2015

    The economy is booming in Dominica, I don’t know what the cry is about. My personal opinion 150 dollars is not sufficient. 500 EC is a more realistic approach. I suppot the PM.

    • amindom
      July 29, 2015

      You’re being funny, right?

    • Zandoli Girl
      July 29, 2015

      not everyone is well off as u.

    • Dominican
      July 29, 2015

      :mrgreen: .. The Voice surely got this point right on target!

  79. ThatISDominican
    July 29, 2015

    Labour working. To the bus drivers. No way. Five more years. Allu trying to kill people. Already we have to pay more for chicken. The country need money boss so certain people can get paid and what not. Leave the poor people bus fare alone. At least Salisbury getting their road right? The money we have to pay back for the State Palace would have been good now.

  80. John
    July 29, 2015

    How can somebody be both the minister of finance and Prime Minister, a Prime Minister should never have control over finance too. It should be left to a independent person. Can you imagine if the President of the United States also controlled the US Treasury and could spend money anyway he wished by-passing Congress?

    • the fly
      July 29, 2015

      JOHN, i don’t know if you notice this is not the USA the laws are not the same as DOMINICA .

  81. %
    July 29, 2015

    Check the gutter, the sidewalk and the overgrown grass in the gutter. DLP has been in power for 15 years, Roseau has grown from bad to worst.Corruption is the abuse of a position of trust for yourself, your friends, family, financiers ,etc,.This is what we have in Dominica. I am calling on the bus drivers to take some kind of protest action that will send a message to Skerrit that the poor and indigent are suffering! PROTEST! FORCE HIM TO REMOVE IT!!! You all have to eat also!

  82. STUPESSSSSSS
    July 29, 2015

    D COUNTRY NICE BOY!!! ALlu ask for it so taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaake it!! Go Red clinic to pay d levy!

  83. link
    July 29, 2015

    YOU GUYS ARE JUST GREEDY PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

    Let’s do some maths.

    Short routes $0.25 increase ( 10 trips ,10 persons per trip,WE KNOW IS MORE) 100 persons multiple by .25 = $25.00 per day increase. Minimum 5 days per week = 125.00 Four week per Month $500.00 per month.

    STOP MAKING THE COUNTRY HARD !

    • %
      July 29, 2015

      @ link You are wicked and have a black heart.When you call the bus drivers greedy, how or what term would you use to describe those in the DLP? Man you are a darn good for nothing who pick up crumbs from under your masters table.

    • the fly
      July 29, 2015

      LINK, what you expect even a monkey can work that out.

  84. jane
    July 29, 2015

    What about the areas where there are no highways? From LA Plaine to roundabout for example?

  85. oh shate
    July 29, 2015

    When gas went down i heard no one saying bout bus fare goin down ,,,,,,, so wat ?

  86. smh
    July 29, 2015

    Labour working! I hope you all remember it is the same PM that said he won’t raise taxes. Oh, but that’s none of my business.

  87. a
    July 29, 2015

    seriously bus drivers, don’t blame this tax for you wanting a rise in fares. if you cannot afford $150 a year then you really need to sell your bus and get a new job.

    But if you do raise the fares, RAISE THE STANDARDS OF YOUR DRIVING AND BUSES OVERALL

  88. Dominican
    July 29, 2015

    You all must be illiterate to talk that level of nonsense or you just greedy? Why didn’t the price drop with the price of gas which makes more sense? $150 a year going to be a strain? 12.50 a month, how much do you make in a month? .42 cents a day how many trips you make in a day? It seems you all stupid or tief which one is it? Well we not stupid neither are the authorities so wait for raise, you will go and throw stones behind ballaw doh

  89. GinGer
    July 29, 2015

    Tell the bus drivers come again. This is an additional $12.50 per month. Less than .50 cents per day. On a 16 sitter bus assuming they make 1 trip per day, this is an additional .03 cant per one way trip which is .015 cents per passanger.

    So we want to see them increase the fare by another .25cents

  90. somebody
    July 29, 2015

    skerrit better fix himself.. cuz if bus fare go up hmmmmmm! :twisted:

    • the fly
      July 29, 2015

      SOMEBODY, please don’t be stupid ,go stick your head in the sand.

  91. link
    July 29, 2015

    You all put RIMS and stereo which cost much more.

    DNO ADMIN,

    Go back to the bus drivers and ask them how many pay tax annual??? P.A.Y.E!

  92. Truth
    July 29, 2015

    I totally agree, It’s just too much at one time. We already have Vehicle Insurance($6500) Vehicle License($950) Drivers License($100) and now new road tax($150) Total $7700. OMG!!! where we going to find that money. Please reconsider this tax, for the poor man sake.

    • ME
      July 30, 2015

      If you have such an expensive bus and you cannot maintain it to afford .42 cents a day on tax to fix the road you drive on get another source of income

    • July 30, 2015

      That works out to $21.10/day. You make that back in your first trip of your day.

  93. Dr.xtc
    July 29, 2015

    If we have to do the maths, the hike should be about $0.002 on probability to ensure the bus drivers collect the additional $150 which they are going to incur as a result of this new tax. So it’s rather negligible hence an irrelevant request. Any increase by $0.25 as the minimum, will have the bus drivers cashing in on hug amount at the expense of commuters as a result to this new tax. And this is not fear play.

  94. %
    July 29, 2015

    I feel for you all bus drivers, and all poor and indigent Dominican who are being mercilessly and wickedly gagged and choked by this develish and brutal regime.! Based on what I read, I wonder how you all are making ends meet. An increase in bus fare will only be borne by the SAME POOR AND INDIGENT! They are ones who cannot order vehicles and get DUTY FREE!You all need to protest in some way, shape or form. This brutal, inept,satanic, incompetent,lazy and corrupt regime, only pay attention to people WHEN THEY PROTEST! The sooner! The better! Demand that these heartless zombies remove this road tax!

  95. Shameless
    July 29, 2015

    What allu crying for? Somebody whipping allu man? Take it like Skerro is your father! Just shut up and take it while larwim coming from your nose and you getting hickups like a dump truck with blocked gas filter :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: ! Tell them Senjo bus drivers make Kelvar give them the extra money because money was flowing like tower during election. :twisted:

    Assertive, NOT Aggressive! :twisted:

  96. paasenger
    July 29, 2015

    So what the bus drivers want to pass the tax to the customers too. Well we Wil buy our vehicles and pay our own taxes.
    This is really cause for concern.

    • anonymous2
      July 29, 2015

      If you think that riding the bus is expensive, try maintaining a vehicle as as well pay the insurance and govt. registration fees, which aren’t cheap. Then you will really know how much owning a vehicle costs in DA. It is very expensive and even more expensive to buy a decent vehicle. This is only the beginning of the squeezing by the bankers via the Skerrit govt

  97. TRUEMAN
    July 29, 2015

    *****THAT”S EXPECTED****

    “I believe if the tax is raised the bus fees should be increased too,” one St Joseph driver told DNO. “Because it’s a strain on us bus drivers.”

    ……………………………………………….

    I think that’s a reasonable request by our drivers. Hopefully, the rise in fare is also a reasonable one!!

    -Thanks

    • Sunday Islander
      July 29, 2015

      Rubbish! :mrgreen:

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