Belize Bus Association Changes Leadership Amid Industry Shifts
Belize’s bus industry is changing, and a new leader will now help steer operators through the uncertainty. Veteran operator Froylan Gilharry has replaced Philip Jones as president of the Belize Bus Association, taking over as members confront industry reforms, rising operational pressures and the expansion of the National Bus Company. News Five’s Britney Gordon looks at the leadership shift and what it could mean for public transportation across Belize.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Fresh off a successful push to extend the government’s diesel subsidy, the Belize Bus Association is changing drivers. After leading months of negotiations, Philip Jones has stepped down following a year as president. Veteran operator and Venus Bus Line co-owner Froylan Gilharry now takes the wheel, promising to give more operators a voice within the association.
On the Phone: Froylan Gilharry Jr., President, Belize Bus Association
“It doesn’t matter which government or when there, they do not repair the structural problem, which has to do with how the transport board is configurated. And it doesn’t allow for proper representation of the bus owners, which it should be the bus owners itself, that the president should represent the bus owners along with commuters, along with financial institutions. Mainly to have the people that are stakeholders, not only industry, the ones that feel the pain, for them to see what is happening.”
Philip Jones stepped down as Belize Bus Association president on Sunday, citing personal and business commitments Jones’s departure has also raised questions. Because he holds a government contract to provide school bus services, some operators wonder whether growing tensions between the government and the BBA influenced his decision to step aside. Jones, however, dismissed those speculations.
On The Phone: Philip Jones, Former President, Belize Bus Association
“I had my school runs before being elected as president, so that’s nothing if the sorts. I was president before I get my runs. I have personal things I need to tend to personal business that I’m starting, and it deserve a lot of time from me. And it will be unfair for me to continue be the president and not being hundred percent to serve the BBA. So I think it would have been unfair for me to continue and not to give the members the time and effort that is required of the presidency of the BBA.”
The National Bus Company continues to divide the industry. Gilharry says independent operators are hesitant to join because the government has yet to present a detailed business plan. Many also fear losing family-run businesses they have spent decades building.
On the Phone: Froylan Gilharry Jr.
“ Fuel subsidy is a minor part. They will be getting financial assistance. They are getting financial assistance. They are getting Development concession, which means tax holidays, it means tires, fuel, everything without taxes. They’re getting the concessions for routes, which has– all this has never been granted to any bus owners in the last time from I know myself in the bus industry. So it’s ridiculous that you are telling someone, you don’t want to join me, I have all of this, and you can stay with what doing what? Doing something that you are not providing.”
During his time as BBA president, Jones said that he did not feel pressured by the government or Department of Transport.
On The Phone: Philip Jones
“We have not seen that. And we have a strong association, that have never been the case. Meanwhile, I was there with any members being victimized or taken advantage of because their position or their political affiliation or their religion.”
Gilharry said the BBA has no meetings currently scheduled with the government but intends to seek discussions with Cabinet and other key stakeholders to address ongoing issues affecting Belize’s transportation system. Britney Gordon for News Five.
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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