Taxi fare decision delayed as Granville police shooting and imitation firearm sentence draw scrutiny

The Government has asked taxi operators to allow another two weeks before a final move is made on a long-outstanding 16 per cent fare increase, following talks with transport association leaders on Monday at the Transport Centre in Half-Way Tree.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz, Finance Minister Fayval Williams and State Minister Abka Fitz-Henley met with sector representatives after some operators threatened to withdraw service. The Transport Ministry said the relevant Cabinet submission is expected to go forward on June 1, rather than the increase taking effect immediately. Williams also indicated that, if approved, the adjustment could be paid in two parts.

Lorraine Finikin, president of the All Voice Taxi Association, said there had been no organised national shutdown. He said misinformation spread through a live video and voice note, prompting police contact with association leaders. Finikin said operators were first told in March that the increase could come in June, and that June 1 is now the first firm Cabinet date given. He added that operators rejected splitting the 16 per cent, but would wait for the Government’s update.

In St. James, outrage continues after Latoya Bulgin, a businesswoman, mother of two and Granville resident known as BJO, was fatally shot during a protest linked to the earlier police killing of 17-year-old Tay Edwards. One officer has been interdicted while INDECOM and IPROB investigate. INDECOM also confirmed that three officers assigned to crowd control were not issued or wearing body-worn cameras. Opposition spokesman on national security Fitz Jackson said suspension alone is inadequate and called for stronger accountability.

The programme also examined the Firearms Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation Act, 2022, after Kingston music producer E. Wayne Price was sentenced for having eight imitation firearms found during a December 2023 joint police-military operation at Grand Spence Drive, Kingston 8. Price said the items were music-video props. Convicted in February, he received 15 years for possession and life imprisonment for stockpiling, with parole eligibility after 10 years. Attorney Alexander Shaw said the law treats imitation and real firearms similarly for sentencing, leaving judges with little discretion. National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has signalled amendments may be brought this year.