Dear Editor,
I really didn’t plan to join the chorus of people talking about the (new) school bus. However, based on my experiences yesterday and today, I have no choice but to add my two cents. Coming from May Pen yesterday evening, I was suddenly met by an oncoming entourage of over 10 of these buses in Bucknor. At first, I was taken aback but then came to the realization that it was part of the designated Clarendon school fleet. Surprisingly, most of them were donning the JLP (Jamaica Labour Party) colors.
Being aware that it was election season and this is Jamaica, I just let it slide. However, today I was in Croft Hill and I encountered a similar entourage of these buses as I did yesterday. Now at home in my remote village of Braehead, I got another dose of these buses passing through. Only difference this time around is that there were only three buses.
Now my question is simple, are we the Jamaican tax payers paying for this tour across Jamaica? Are we really responsible for paying these drivers, buying fuel and all other related costs? Finally, come September, will these politically selected drivers be the same drivers of these buses? Another question, will these buses be retrofitted to have the entry doors on the left side or will kids be expected to go into the middle of the road to enter? What exactly are the retro-fit that have been done or will be done before school opens? That’s my two cents on the government good intentions but ill advise purchase! If things remain as they are, it will certainly be a September to remember!
I am,
Tony Lewars