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tuesDAY, september 16, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com
Free transportation service for East Coast, West Dem residents I
n an effort to alleviate financial exploitation of East Coast and West Demerara commuters using public transportation, Government, through the Public Works and Communication Ministry, on Monday introduced a fleet of 10 44-seater buses to transport residents free of cost. While the move is not intended to stifle the livelihood of minibus operators plying the East and West Coast and West Bank of Demerara, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn said Government had become weary of the complaints levelled against these operators by commuters. âWe at the Ministry of Public Works have become increasingly concerned with the state of public transportation resulting out of threats of the withdrawal of services. They (operators) are forcing people to pay higher fares and sometimes double the fares, and
Demerara Bus Parks to see the vehicles. Benn said the service began Saturday last, and commuters are being allowed to travel free until some issues are ironed out. âWeâve had this situation before where we responded by bringing in buses provided free to try to alleviate the situation and try to help the minibus operators to come to a position where they will consult with the Ministry of Public Works and Trade with respect to any desires or concerns they may have with respect to increasing fares,â the Minister said. He noted that Government is seeking to prevent a situation where commuters are forced to suffer as a result of one-sided actions by the minibus operators. Minister Benn said Government had taken a decision that it would not support an increase in fares if
Public Works Minister Robeson Benn speaking to media operatives at the Stabroek bus park on Monday
encourage it. We are prepared to sit down and have discussions with operators with respect to this problem,
consultations on the matter, but cannot countenance unilateral actions without consultations. He said the prob-
market forces. As far as I am concerned, if a person is travelling to the East or West Coast and he pays his $500
lic transportation network has to be regulated by the Government, either by using the new system or by way of consultation. Asked how long the service will continue, Benn said he could not say but is hoping that it goes on for as long as possible. Salim Wahir, proprietor of Knight Riders Transportation, one of the bus services contracted by the Ministry, said that his company is offering a free service to the Ministry. According to him, it is simply responding to a situation to ease the level of financial distress on commuters. âAt the moment what weâre doing is we are trying out. Thereâs no financial arrangement in place. We are assisting the Ministry. There is no payment terms; it is free for now, because they are compensating for the tolls and fuels and pay the drivers.â Minister Benn added
Buses waiting to be filled with passengers for East and West Coast, and East Bank trips
also forcing people to pay a full fare when they are coming off short,â Benn told media operatives who turned up at the Stabroek Market area in the vicinity of the West Coast and West Bank
the price of diesel or gasoline did not exceed $1000. âI do not believe that situation has arisen. Some people have taken it upon themselves and are forcing people to pay higher fares, but we will not
but we will not have unilateral position for the public in respect to this situation,â Benn stressed. He said Government has always been open to having
lem is affecting commuters âout there and we have a responsibility to the commutersâ. âWe do not believe that this is simply a problem of
for them to take out $100 and they take out $200âŚ. It is not an issue of market force ⌠we have to respond,â he continued. The Minister pointed out that the pub-
that he has already begun a sensitisation and consultation initiative around the area, and has solicited the input of persons. He hopes to have at least 20 buses in operation.
GuyExpo 2014 to field 400 exhibitors G
uyanaâs 19th Trade and Investment E x p o s i t i o n (GuyExpo), which began in 1995, will take place from October 2 to 5, under the theme, âTransformation: Partnering for a better Guyanaâ, the event will showcase locally produced goods and services. The venue for the exhibition will be the Sophia Exhibition Site and will host an estimated 110,000 visitors, and 400 exhibitors, among them participants from eight countries. What began as an activity that attracted close to 200 exhibitors is today Guyanaâs biggest expo with over 460 businesses, both local and international participating annually, all given the occa-
sion to present their locally produced goods and services. GuyExpo became an annual event in 2004, under the Chairmanship of Keith Burrowes, and is now the longest sustained exhibition in the Caribbean. In 2004, the organisers took cognisance of the growth and interdependence of international trade and opened the exhibition to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and other regional exhibitors, reported the Government Information Agency (GINA). With its genesis as a biennial activity, GuyExpo has now morphed into a national event which offers business associates the opportunity to meet, network,
Produce displayed at GuyExpo
and negotiate with international companies and establishments, as well as showcase their skills, talents and creative work, on an annual basis. From its inception to now, the focus has remained on the development of small
and medium sized enterprises, thereby ensuring that local businesses enjoy the level of growth and expansion that is needed for them to remain competitive at the regional and international levels. Several businesses which
have grown along with the expo from its genesis include A H and L Kissoon, Toolsie Persaud Limited, Banks DIH, Demerara Distillers Limited, Geddes Grant and Gafoors. Since its humble beginnings GuyExpo has come a long way and takes a permanent place on the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerceâs Annual Calendar of Events. This premier exposition and trade fair offers business associates the opportunity to meet, network and negotiate with international companies and establishments, as well as showcase their skills, talents and creative works. This annual event provides a platform for both lo-
cal and foreign businesses: importers, exporters, retailers, wholesalers. It fuses together a wide cross section of producers of handicraft, furniture, garments, jewellery, and horticulture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, information technology and most of all culture. \ This ideal setting provides the opportunity for businesses to increase their competitiveness and efficiency and foster growth. GuyExpo is undertaken as a partnership among the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, GO-Invest and the private sector; while exhibitors, franchise holders, game operators and entertainers play a major role in the overall success of the event.