Govt prepared to examine capping fares for travelling public – Finance Minister

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, April 18, 2020

“We are prepared to examine any feasible proposal that would cap the fare and all other benefits accrue to the travelling public,” so says Minister of Finance Winston Jordan.

The Finance Minister made this comment in the wake of reports that many transportation providers have increased and sometimes doubled their prices despite a reduction in fuel prices and the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on local airfares.

According to several reports, many Indigenous and hinterland residents are faced with rising transport costs from the usual suppliers.

“Air Services Limited, which operates three weekly flights to Paramakatoi, Region Eight, have increased their prices. For freight, the price has moved from $130 to $290/pound and return airfare from $33,000 per person to $68,000,” one report in a daily newspaper stated.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan noted recently that despite the several measures implemented, many have not seen fit to pass on savings to consumers.

He stated that the government is prepared to sit down with stakeholders and work with them, as far as feasible during this time to bring relief to citizens.

In a recent interview with DPI, the minister reminded of measures implemented by the government to ease the financial burden, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. These included removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on local airfares, electricity and reduced fuel prices.