On Wednesday I was refused entry into a maxi taxi in Curepe. When I was walking away the conductor commented "you must be crazy." The maxi was less than half full.
I realised it was the same maxi taxi that I refused to get out of in Curepe last month on my way to work. The maxi stopped and filled up at the Arima stand in San Juan and when we reached Curepe the driver stopped and the conductor made almost everyone exit except for one of their lady friends, and was about to load the maxi right there at the crosswalk.
I insisted that I was not getting out. However, I then got out, crossed the PBR and informed a police sergeant and a constable who was directing traffic at the other end of the same crosswalk of the situation.As they were taking my information the maxi drove off. I now realise today nothing was done by these officers. This has been happening for years and still happens even though we have traffic wardens.
With the type of "wrong and strong" bullying attitudes of these people operating maxis, I wouldn't be surprised if the maxi's license was suspended and the conductor lost his job. In his mind it would be my fault, not realising how many people they rob daily by causing them to pay twice/double to travel the same distance.
This is the type of lawlessness and corruption that happens every day. Whether by fraud or force, a thief is a thief, who may become a killer to cover up their missteps and wrongdoing. Whether it's the blue collar conductor or a white collar crook, wake up before it's too late T&T!
M Hernandez,
via e-mail