Local Bus and Taxi Operators Meet with Cabinet Ministers

Manuel Heredia Jr.

Local taxi and bus operators met today with Minister of Transport Edmond Castro and his cabinet colleague, Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia Junior in Belize City. Minister Castro first met with members of the Belize Bus Association to discuss pressing concerns relating to the transit of foreign buses from Guatemala and Mexico. As we reported, the local operators say that their livelihood has been threatened by these foreign bus companies such as Fuente del Norte, ADO, San Juan, and Marilyn Espadas. According to the operators, these foreign bus companies have been operating freely in Belize with several perks and privileges not afforded to local operators. The meeting today was for all stakeholders to sit down and agree on how that matter will be solved. Minister Heredia spoke about the outcome of the meeting.

Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism

“Today we have compromised over here to make sure that we work together and that we can address these issues that have been facing the industry. There some that I personally believe that need to be urgently address. We believe in reciprocal agreement from both countries. I will be trying to make contact with the tourism minister in Guatemala and then Minister Castro do likewise. And we will come together to see if we need to amend or we need to adjust or need to do new agreements. The stakeholders have agreed that they will work together with us to make sure we can better serve both our local and foreign visitors. According to them, there was an SI that needs to be looked into that was done long ago. Supposedly it is not in the best interest of the industry and I am sure with the legal advice from the attorney general something can be done. At the end of the day it is my hope that all of us will be happy and I believe we can make a better industry.”