Taxi drivers facing greater criminal threats

On Sunday, Doodnath Beharry, 44, a maxi-taxi driver, was shot and killed in what police believe was a robbery gone wrong. He was found inside his vehicle at an agricultural estate near Econo Guest House, St Helena.

On August 12, PH driver Ossie Callender, 23, of Marabella, was shot once to the back of his head while inside his car along the San Fernando/Marabella route.

Weeks earlier, on July 21, the body of PH driver Kurt Levero, 43, was discovered at Battoo Avenue, Marabella.

Additionally, there have been instances where taxi drivers have been murdered off-route, in circumstances which still remain unclear.

On July 25, PH driver Kerwyn Michael Prescott, 26, was shot and killed while speaking with his family, standing outside his home in Trou Macaque, Laventille.

On August 10, Troy Lane, a Malick PH driver escaped death shortly after 3.30 pm when a gunman armed with a semi-automatic weapon fired 12 shots in his direction opposite Cost Cutters Supermarket in El Dorado. And back in April, PH driver Nicholas John was killed in Belmont while liming at the roadside.

Criminologist Professor Ramesh Deosaran yesterday said there is growing evidence of taxi drivers facing higher levels of danger due to the crime situation.

“PH drivers, given the hours they work, are always at high risk,” Deosaran told Newsday.

“But there is growing evidence that this is increasingly so. Commensurate with this is a growing threat to public safety all around when these incidents involving PH drivers happen. It aggravates public concern and places added pressure on law enforcement agencies.” He also noted passengers sometimes face risks from drivers.

“It is not a one-way street,” the criminologist said. “Going into a PH car is always a high-risk event for passengers. Whilst ordinary drivers can pose risks, there is a perception of greater risk because PH drivers are not lawfully regulated.” He said the police will have to investigate the recent cases to determine if there is a pattern.

President of the Taxi Drivers Network Adrian Acosta said while taxi drivers have faced hazards in the past, the situation is deteriorating.

“It has been getting worse,” Acosta said. “There are persons who target us. They set up shop on the stands and watch every move you make.” He said his network has advised its members to be more vigilant, to be more cautious about people picked up for transport and to be more thorough in monitoring their surroundings. He said while PH drivers are targeted, the problem affects everyone.

“Robbery on the whole is affecting everybody right now,” Acosta said.

“There are also persons disguising themselves as PH drivers and robbing passengers and that is also on the increase.” President of the Belmont Taxi Drivers’ Association Richard Vaughn yesterday said the effect of crime on PH drivers is likely under-reported. He said the interplay between licensed taxis and PH drivers has left PH drivers exposed to risks which licensed drivers avoid.

“There have been more incidents but some do not report it,” Vaughn said. “Because PH drivers are not sanctioned by law they will be reluctant to report things to the police. They will have to say they are hustling or pulling bull. “In our association, we feel badly about this situation,” Vaughn said. “The law does not study the safety of the taxis. They only study the taxis to charge them with offences. I am tired of complaining.” He said PH drivers can make about $500 or $600 a day, but they, increasingly, pay a price.