Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC says there was no nationwide shutdown of transport services last week, with the vast majority of maxi-taxi operators continuing to serve commuters across the country.
In anticipation of any disruption by a planned maxi taxi strike last Monday, the TTPS mobilised its fleet of vehicles to transport passengers between City Gate and Arima during the afternoon rush hour, helping to ensure that commuters were not left stranded. By Tuesday, vehicles from the Defence Force, Fire Service and ODPM joined in transportation efforts and by Wednesday, the planned action was called off.
Answering a question in the Lower House on Wednesday, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar noted the supposed nationwide shutdown was limited to the East West Corridor.
“First of all, Mr Speaker, there was no nationwide shutdown of any transport services.”
She said the situation was mischaracterised, insisting that maxi-taxi operators across the country continued business as usual.
“The vast majority of maxi-taxi drivers are decent, hard-working individuals, and they ensure our loved ones are taken to our schools, their homes, and workplaces safely. Based on their essential services, my Government is committed to addressing their concerns, which those on the other side ignored for 10 years.”
Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein also questioned the description of the disruption as nationwide.
“Earlier on, Diego Martin North East asked the Prime Minister about a nationwide shutdown in terms of transportation. I know that affected the East West Corridor, Mr Speaker. South Trinidad was functioning. Central Trinidad was functioning. East Trinidad, all the way to the East, was functioning. Tobago functioning. How can you say one part of Trinidad and Tobago is nationwide? There is a country beyond the lighthouse, according to the Prime Minister.”
The Prime Minister assured that Government will continue engaging with stakeholders.
“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. For 10 years, the former administration was tone deaf. They refused any meaningful dialogue with stakeholders.”
She added that the Government remains open to addressing the concerns of maxi-taxi operators to ensure continuity of service.