THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WRITE with concern for taxi drivers, whether legitimate taxi drivers or private persons trying to make a living from the taxi business.
These men are on the roads daily trying to make an honest living and Transport Authority personnel are taking away their cars. I am not referring to those whose cars are not licensed and insured and are on the road. How do you expect these men to care for their families; send their children to school and take care of the necessities of life? Many of them would like to apply for PPV licences and are advised that the Transport Authority has stopped issuing PPV Route Licences.
What are the alternatives? What should they do to survive?
Jobs are not available, businesses are down-sizing and more people are being put out of jobs every day. What solutions are being offered to these people?
Most of these men have loans from lending agencies, for these motorcars. When the cars are taken away, they also must find thousands of dollars to get these cars out of the pound. Where is the money to come from?
Don't you see that the system is one-sided, and does not offer any assistance for the poor families of the country? Enough persons are already in the drug trade and crimes of different nature. Homicide and suicide are increasing. Please, we do not need to add to this dilemma.
This is an oppressive system, oppression of the poor. I do believe God is not pleased.
Help this country. Develop alternatives. Create solutions and in all your planning, plan for the poor.
I am etc.,
JLH
Portmore
St Catherine
