ST. MARY:
THE ST. Mary police were kept busy, yesterday, trying to maintain law and order along the roadways, as legal and illegal taxi operators took to the streets.
The operators parked their taxis on one side of the street while picketing the roadway with placards saying "lower the tax". They said that they are tired of the situation in the transport industry and hope that the Government will remove the high taxation.
According to an operator, who says he has been in the trade for more than 30 years, the people cannot take an increase in the fare structure at this time, as most persons in St. Mary were not working.
Commuters, including school children, were forced to walk to school and work. The withdrawal of the taximen have resulted in shortage of staff at several of the parishes learning institutions, the health sector, tourism industry and other business places. A number of business persons in the parish said they hoped that the matter will be resolved soon.
Areas affected are Annotto Bay to Portland, via Dover, Highgate to Annotto Bay, Port Maria to Kingston, Ocho Rios to Gayle and Oracabessa to Fellowship Hall.
"The police are maintaining a strong presence at those areas, despite there being no report of violence or disorderly conduct," said a high-ranking police officer from the St. Mary Police Department.
However, the taxi operators vow to continue their protest until they are addressed.
