Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said her Government is committed to working with maxi taxi operators to address concerns that were ignored by the former People’s National Movement (PNM) administration for 10 years.
She was responding to a question from Opposition MP Colm Imbert during Wednesday’s sitting of Parliament. Imbert asked what the Government was doing to alleviate the concerns of maxi taxi drivers following the recent disruption of transportation services.
Persad-Bissessar responded: “Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. Again, I continue to be astonished and amazed by the temerity of those on the other side. First of all, Mr Speaker, there was no nationwide shutdown.”
She continued: “Again, I repeat, no nationwide shutdown of any transport services at this time. The vast majority of maxi-taxi operators are decent, hard-working individuals. And they ensure our loved ones are taken to our schools, their homes and workplaces safely.”
The Prime Minister said that, given the essential service provided by maxi taxi operators, her Government remains committed to addressing their concerns, which she said the PNM ignored for a decade.
“And so, the Minister of Transport, as he has done over the last year, will continue to work, consult and engage all stakeholders involved in our national transportation services in the national interest,” she said.
She continued: “For 10 years, the former administration was tone deaf. They refused any meaningful dialogue with stakeholders. We, on this side, continue to remain open to listening to the concerns and acting where and what is needed. So, we will continue to dialogue and have consultations with those involved in the sector.”
Last week some maxi taxi operators attempted to engage in a three day strike but abandoned it after the second day after arms of the protective services stepped in and transported citizens.
