Last Updated on August 5, 2021, 8:30 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Basseterre: Drivers of the newly elected St. Peter’s Bus Association met with Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris on Monday, August 2, where they discussed the challenges they face at the College Street Ghaut bus stop and suitable places to relocate.
During the meeting held at the bus stop at College Street Ghaut, Prime Minister Harris was accompanied by Senior Physical Planner in the Department of Physical Planning, Ministry of Sustainable Development, Austin Farier. Managers of the association were President Andrew ‘Talbo’ Bass, Vice President Devon ‘Smooth’ Caines, Treasurer Orville ‘sailor’ Thompson and PRO Delroy ‘Pabo’ Carey.
“I think with the turn on the traffic lights, the release here becomes especially important,” said Prime Minister Harris, stressing the importance of the College Street Ghaut bus stop.
The government pointed to an abandoned yard between College and Market streets, just above the current bus stop, while the association talked about Basseterre High School, which they say has the necessary infrastructure to make it easier for them and their passengers.
Prime Minister informed them that the plot in the college/market street had to buy a number of people with land because it was in family ownership. He noted that the attorney general had addressed the issue, but it delayed the process because some of the family members were not on the island.
‘(Chairman of the association) Mr’ Talbo ‘Bass has an idea I think about Basseterre High so we can drive to the place but first we look at the option here (College Street), then go we go to Basseterre High and we book and get initial feedback,” said Prime Minister Harris.
After examining the college/market street yard, they walk to the entrance of Basseterre High School on Victoria Road, where Austin Farier indicates that his department has drawn up a plan for the location and that it can be presented.
“Refresh it and get some input from the Bureau of Standards, because they are concerned about the environment and toxicity, and all the other issues should play a role in what we do, so that we can increase the scope and become an independent person can look and give advice, and then we can use it,” Prime Minister Harris told Farier.
Meanwhile, the president of the St. Peter’s Bus Association, Andrew ‘Talbo’ Bass, said that he would have looked at some areas, and suggested that if they could use Basseterre High School just at the entrance on Victoria Road, he could park while they walked in at the gate, and bus number one looks at the gate and the other stands behind him.
“At high school there are toilet facilities we can use, and there is a household center there and a porch we can use, or if it is possible to open a door where we can go in and relax, maybe play we’re a domino while we wait,” says Mr Bass. “The other principals agreed to go to Basseterre High School if the government agreed. They are on board.”
The house building can provide a bar/restaurant where drivers and even waiting passengers can buy something to drink or eat, allowing the association to run the business. However, he said he would prefer a private person to have the opportunity to run the bar/restaurant.
“Basseterre High School is closer to the heart of the city than coming from public works where the East Line bus terminal operates,” he said. Bass said about people saying the new location would be too far from the city.
While viewing the Basseterre High School site, it was also noted that buses can drop off passengers at their various locations in the city while departing, but it’s not possible to pick up the same people from the city as preparing to return home from work.
Austin Farier suggests that a transit bus could be deployed to take passengers to the bus terminals, either at the East Line Bus Terminal or at Basseterre High School from the city.
“This is the missing link for people,” Dr Harris said in line with Farier’s proposal. “We need a service, and for me, it’s a new business for someone to make money.”
Prime Minister Harris instructed Mr Farrier to address the issue of relocation to Basseterre High School by members of the St. Follow up Peter’s Bus Association with the police and the transport board and bring it to the cabinet for its final decision.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
