New BBA President Takes the Wheel for Small Bus Operators
Froylan Gilharry is taking over the Belize Bus Association (BBA). He succeeded Phillip Jones for the role of president of the association after members elected him at the association’s Annual General Meeting on Sunday, 27th September.
The new executive includes: Vice President: Adelric R. Tillett; Secretary: Oscar A. Pollard; Assistant Secretary: Juliet Dawson; Treasurer: Evangelina Waight; Advisor: Claude Fraizer; Councillor: Roxana Chan.
Jones led the association through surging fuel prices and subsidy negotiations with government. He chose not to seek another term, saying he’s in a position where his personal commitments needs more of his attention. “The seat of the president of the BBA is a very busy one. It’s an admirable one by that, and it’s a voluntary work for the love of the industry,” Jones said. “I believe that I have done my part as president.”
Jones says he remains an active member, but it was “Time for new leadership, new executives to continue to take the BBA forward.”
He responded to concerns whether his decision to step down from the role was influenced by his approved government school bus runs. According to him it was not, stating, “I had my school runs before being elected as president, so that’s not an issue.”
Meanwhile, Gilharry is taking on the role with a strong determination to lead the BBA and address several concerns he says are problems sitting with the Transport Board. He called it a “structural problem.”
He said, “It doesn’t matter which government or when, they do not repair the structural problem, which has to do with how the transport board is configured.” Gilharry wants bus owners, commuters and financial institutions at the table, “the ones that feel the pain.”
He also spoke up for small operators. “They’re scapegoated, they’re demeaned, they’re not given the proper accolades or respect they deserve,” Gilharry said. “The bus business is the last investment that is owned by Belizeans. It’s the last industry.”
Tune in to News 5 tonight at 6 o’clock to learn about Gilharry’s plan to lead the BBA.