The Government has declared it will not support lawless bus and taxi operators, who have orchestrated an islandwide strike, and is urging them to pay their traffic fines.

The islandwide strike by taxi and bus operators started today (November 14), with operators intending to withhold services for three days.

In a statement this afternoon, the Cabinet said: “The Government and country will give no support for lawlessness and disorder and welcomes the significant rejection of today’s protest actions and demands.”

“We call on those who are engaging in the disruption of the transportation services to recognise the government will not relent in its efforts to build a better transport sector.”

Operators are demanding that a new ticket amnesty be given.

The amnesty would allow them to pay outstanding sums without the threat of prosecution, while accumulation of demerit points and warrants would be rendered null and void.

The Government has given two ticket amnesties over the past 10 years, and has suggested it is not inclined to grant a third, encouraging persons who have broken the law to pay their fees as ticketed.

In 2012, the Government issued an amnesty and $340 million was collected. Another was granted in 2017, through which $846 million was collected.

“In the context of high road fatalities and severe injuries on our nation’s roads, we must protect the commuting public and encourage discipline among the motoring public, including taxi owners and drivers,” stated the Cabinet.

The Government said it would therefore continue the internal process needed to effectively implement and enforce the new regime under the Road Traffic Act 2018, and its 2022 Regulations in order to secure greater accountability and discipline on the roads.

All law-abiding owners and operators are also being encouraged by the Government to continue their services to Jamaicans seeking to go about their business.

The Government has also expressed its appreciation to employers and schools who have been understanding of their staff and students experiencing difficulties to get to their destinations because of the strike.