The assurance given by the president of the National Capital District (NCD) PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) Association to work with police to get justice for the bus driver shot by police over the weekend, although appreciated, was met with some resentments from the bus drivers.
This is because the PMV drivers claim that their association has not been effective enough in bringing forth their issues and concerns raised over the years to the authorities, like it should have.
A PMV drivers’ spokesperson, Mr. Linsten Kera, said matters like the building of newer bus stops to cater for the growing number of PMV buses in the city, security and safety at the main bus stops, and the issue of police harassment of bus drivers, have not been fully addressed by the association.
“The PMV Association is not doing its part to represent us and support us. There must be some changes to the association to make it more effective,” said the spokesperson.
He went on this say that the informal gathering this morning at the Unagi Oval in Gordons to meet with the NCD police high command, had to be called because the PMV Association did not come out to take the lead to seek justice for bus driver; therefore, they had to organize it themselves.
Meanwhile, the President of the NCD PMV Association, Mr. Jack Waso urged the drivers to return to work to provide the transport service to the public in Port Moresby city, saying that the matter is now a police matter and the outcome of the investigation will be made known to them and the family of the victim.
He also apologized to the NCD Metropolitan Superintendent for the gathering this morning, stating that the drivers did not go through his office to organize the gathering, which was deemed illegal.
Nevertheless, police had to make time to come over to chat with the drivers and hear out their concerns. The Metropolitan Superintendent also gave assurance of a thorough investigation into the shooting incident.