Zabaneh Rejects Immediate Relief for Bus Operators

Transport Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh is doubling down on the Briceño administration’s position following a request from the Belize Bus Association for relief. As we reported on Monday, the association says most of its members will not be able to operate beyond this week if government does not provide some form of relief in the face of rising fuel prices. This comes after Cabinet shelved the association’s request temporarily. The association now wants an audience with Prime Minister John Briceño. Today, we heard from Minister Zabaneh.

 

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“The Belize Bus Association they have a right to ask for a meeting with he Prime Minister. I believe we did our part to respond. The letter came to us but it is not within the Ministry of Transport to determine if we can give out exemption on GST or give subsidies. They decided to remain independent. They know what their cost structure is. When we did invite everybody to come to the National Bus Company. They could have benefited from a free audit. The auditors were chosen by the operators, twenty-one of them at that point in time. Seventeen decided to come on board. Since then another two knocked at the door and in due course we will see what can be done to bring them on board. But the others we respect what their decisions are. This is not a forced nationalization and if you say you can stand on your own then we respect that very position that they said they will be standing on their own.”

 

A heads‑up tonight for bus commuters. Earlier today, a passenger reached out to News Five after taking a BBOC bus from Belmopan to Benque Viejo and paying more than expected. What should have been a four‑dollar fare was bumped up by a dollar. That increase comes despite the Ministry of Transport making it clear that bus operators cannot raise fares without official approval. We’re looking into the matter and will bring you more as we get answers.

 

 

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.

 

Watch the full newscast here: