Froylan Gilharry Rejects Claims BBA Became Political
As the rift within Belize’s bus industry continues to widen, the Belize Bus Association is rejecting suggestions that it has been driven by politics. The response comes after operators broke away to form the United Bus Operators Association, citing concerns over representation within the BBA. But BBA President, Froylan Gilharry, maintains that the association’s efforts to seek changes to the recently passed transportation bill were never politically motivated, saying its focus has always been on ensuring transparency, accountability and a stronger future for public transportation in Belize. Today, we asked Froylan Gilharry whether there was any truth to claims that the split within the bus industry was the result of the Belize Bus Association taking an overly political approach to transportation reform.
On the Phone: Froylan Gilharry, President, Belize Bus Association
“One hundred percent not. It was fueled by other reasons. That reason is political, but we are not going to go into there because you know what? It is everybody right to choose what they want to do. Our organization is a organization with a huge umbrella. We do not look at race, creed, political affiliation because of the same reason that historically Public transportation has been a football field. That’s why the members that are with the BBA understand full well that with business you don’t play politics because it is used to destroy each other. We have our own plan, and that plan will be revealed Wednesday. But for right now, we can tell you it will be inclusive even of those that are not members of the BBA. We are willing and able to share with them the information once we present the plan, and they can be included. They can stay at their association. That’s no problem. Everyone has the right to choose what is best for their business and their livelihood. On the final analysis, everyone seeks to safeguard their patrimony and their livelihood.”
The Belize Bus Association says it has partnered with a Belizean digital company and consulted international firms to develop a modern, technology-driven ticketing and scheduling system as part of its plan to modernize public transportation and strengthen its role in the industry.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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