Strong word to PSV

The Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) is disappointed that public service vehicle (PSV) workers are continuing to flout the COVID-19 protocols.

The body’s marketing and communications officer Mark Haynes made his feelings known after three PSV drivers appeared in court on Monday where they pleaded guilty to not wearing a mask while on duty.

PSV drivers Gerry Hurdle, Anthony Blackman and Shaquille Scott, along with passenger Gregory Clarke were all given 12 weeks to pay a $1000 fine ordered by Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes when they appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court.

He said he hoped it would be a “wakeup call” for other employees in the sector who were being defiant.

“It is unfortunate that they were taken to court but this should send a message to persons who do not wish to be in conformity with the COVID-19 protocols, that it is imperative that they adhere.

“Once again I plead with all of the workers in the sector and also the commuters to please adhere to the wearing of masks. It is critical, it is part of the protocols of the COVID-19 unit,” Haynes told Barbados TODAY.

“It is unfortunate that they had to go to court before a judicial officer…We hope this is a wakeup call for all those other persons who are attempting to defy the rules, that if they attempt to defy the protocols that they will be punished.”

However, Haynes said their actions were that of the minority, as most PSV workers were operating within the law.

“While I am saying all of this, let me hasten to say that the majority of people are in conformity with the protocols but we have a small minority who are defiant and who do not wish to obey,” he pointed out.

“So this is the reason why those persons who went before the court pleaded guilty, because they were not obeying the protocols. We hope that it stops and that there is not a replication of this going forward.”

Furthermore, he said in the current economic environment it makes no sense having to pay large fines to the court.

Haynes said he had also received word that some PSV workers were abusing members of the COVID-19 Monitoring Unit as they tried to execute their duties.

He maintained that such behaviour would not be tolerated in the sector.

“That type of behaviour cannot be accepted. You cannot abuse the officers because they have a remit and that is to enforce the protocols and they should not be abusive towards the officers when they confront them. They should not abuse the officers,” Haynes contended.

He said it was also important for the protocols to be followed to avoid any possible community spread of COVID-19.

“This disease is very precarious and we do not want community spread or any other spread. We have so far kept it at bay and we want to continue to keep it at bay,” Haynes said.

(randybennett@barbadostoday.bb)