LETTER OF THE DAY - Transport Authority officers need direction

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I am trying to understand why the transport minister is giving the Jamaican public the impression that the common practices of his servants are unknown to him.

The practice of the Transport Authority officers using their vehicles as a means of stopping taxi drivers is no secret.

I am not convinced that the incident of Saturday, April 24 on studio One Boulevard was not brought to his attention. If this was not done personally then he ought to listen to the radio, watch his television or read his newspapers. The men and women under his control are indeed out of control and do not have any regard for people's lives.

According to media reports, police officers were in the vehicle at the time of this collision. This is a dangerous practice that must stop immediately. Persons have either died or become seriously injured in these barbaric acts by these men and women.

My concerns are:

1. Now that Transport Authority vehicles are being used as weapons, who repair them?

2. If the transport minister does not have a clue as to the activities of his officers, then to whom do they report, and how do they explain the damage to these weapons?

3. How does the minister treat these media reports that come from many taxi operators and taxi organisations?

I honestly do not blame these officers for what they do, because they lack direction and control.

The transport Authority's document on values speaks to its belief in the professional conduct of its employees, with special emphasis on graciousness, civility and accountability.

The commuting public needs to see these qualities in the Transport Authority personnel during the execution of their day-to-day operations.

I am, etc.,

Devon King

mailbox4844@yahoo.com