Internal sources have revealed that bus drivers agreed to a promised stimulus package of between EC$4,000 and EC$6,000 from the government. The sources stated that a 5-man delegation met with PM Roosevelt Skerrit and National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore where it was agreed that a one-time provision of four to six thousands EC dollars was agreed upon for drivers.
Although the protesting bus drivers and the Skerrit-led administration are yet to publicize the details of their negotiations, the sources stated that the promised stimulus package will be released to drivers within the next two weeks. The sources also revealed that the strict conditions for accessing the $15 million loan facility deposited at AID Bank have been relaxed to enable a greater number of eligible drivers obtain required loans.
“It was a very good meeting and we are all pleased with the outcome and we’re happy that the government could meet with us and discuss the way forward,” said Warrel St. Jean, Public Relations Officer of the Mahaut Bus Drivers Association.
However, Esrom Charles, the bus driver that was allegedly brutalized by police officers during the drivers protest action has sworn to take his case to court. Charles said police officers roughhandled him and even knelt on his neck for a brief moment in the fashion experienced by late George Floyd in Minneapolis, hence the neck injury that necessitated his use of a neck brace.
Attorney at law Joshua Francis and several other civil organizations as well as the UWP opposition have condemned the police for unleashing violence on the peaceful bus drivers, with many Charles’ supporters saying he stands to win his case in court.
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