Commuters were removed from some public passenger vehicles that did not participate in the protest.
.png)
00:00
00:00
00:00
Minister with responsibility for Information Robert Morgan
By Prince Moore
The government has signalled that it is not considering a traffic ticket amnesty at this time, despite today's widespread protest by transport operators calling for the measure.
Following its deliberations earlier today, Cabinet says it will not give support to lawlessness and disorder.
Information Minister Robert Morgan said the government has an "open door policy" to discussions but has been "very clear" about its position during previous talks with heads of the various transport associations.
He said while the operators have a right to withdraw their service in protest, the government "cannot endorse illegality and lawlessness".
"If the government begins to endorse illegality and lawlessness then who is setting the standard? Who is going to ensure that the rest of the country functions with discipline?" Mr. Morgan questioned.
The Information Minister said Cabinet has taken note that the protest affected several sectors of the society.
He pointed to "behaviour where we saw people removing commuters from vehicles" and "people deflating the tires of commuters", among other things.
"We know that threats were issued and the police had to be involved in certain circumstances. People are free to protest. That's their constitutional right. But you're not free to impede other persons in the lawful conducting of their business, he said.
Mr. Morgan said the government will not relent in efforts to build a better transport sector. He said the government is undertaking the internal processes to implement and enforce the new regime under the Road Traffic Act 2018 and the Regulations of 2022.
He said the implementation of the new law will allow Jamaicans to feel more comfortable and safer driving on the roads.
All feeds
