By Racquel Porter
Residents of Paul Mountain and Top Mountain in St. Catherine blocked several miles of roadway Wednesday morning protesting the exorbitant fare increases imposed by taxi operators who serve the communities.
The residents complained that taxi operators are charging more than the 19 per cent increase recently authorised by the government.
Classes at Paul Mountain Primary School were suspended as a result of the demonstration.
Chairman of the school board Michael Archer said a decision was made after consultation with the principal and staff, for students to remain at home.
The residents say students traversing back and fourth to Spanish Town are now paying $250, up from $150, while the fare for adults has increased from $500 to $750.
Wednesday's demonstration also served as a platform for residents to voice their ongoing frustrations regarding the lack of running water and deteriorating road conditions in the area.
"We're beckoning for road and water. We've been suffering for years. I've been here for over 60 years and there's no water supply and no good road.... They have to do something because this need some attention. The taxi then just charge whatever they wish to charge and this is hard and the citizens because most citizens up here are not working and those who are working are working small amount of money that cannot even meet their needs," said Doreen, a resident of Top Mountain.
