Put your case

Repeated calls by the owners of private-owned public service vehicles (PSV) for duty-free concessions have not fallen on deaf ears.

That’s the assurance from Minister of Transport and Works, Michael Lashley, who said his ministry is willing to entertain the sector’s proposal on the matter. His comments came in an interview with The Barbados Advocate, as he reflected on calls made at the end of last month and again this week by PSV operators, for duty-free concessions for parts and vehicles, given that the sector is characterised by an ageing fleet, which requires more maintenance and results in more downtime. He said it is a matter that the PSV stakeholders raised with them again recently and they were instructed to “build their case” to present to the Ministry. He said it would have to eventually be passed onto Cabinet, which would decide if the proposal will be accepted.

“We’ve had several meetings with the sector and I have said to them that they need to put their case and document it properly to us, showing the reasons why they think they need concessions and providing evidence-based reasons. Once we have that and we as a Ministry will look at it, we can determine if it is workable, and add any conditions we deem fit,” the Minister stated.

Lashley added, “I believe once both parties can meet midway, I believe that both parties would benefit.”

The Transport and Works Minister’s comments came as he acknowledged the significant contribution that the privately owned PSV make to the economy and by extension the country. Not to mention, he added, the role they play in helping Barbadians to traverse the country.

“Their role cannot be understated, as they make an outstanding contribution transporting people to work, home, and to do their business. Public transport is important to the economy and the private sector no doubt has a role to play in this regard,” he said.

Reiterating their significance to the transport sector, he further noted that any future transport policy for this country cannot be devised without input from the private sector stakeholders. (JRT)