By Faith Edwards

PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced that 625 Priority Bus Route (PBR) passes issued to private vehicles will be recalled.

Speaking during the post-cabinet media briefing conference on Thursday, Persad-Bissessar said these are not passes for official services; police, fire or ambulance, but private “letter passes” issued under the direction of the minister, usually for short-term use of less than a year.

She said, “The amount issued has significantly exceeded intended numbers. There are over 625 of these passes in circulation.”

The prime minister explained that many were issued without proper documentation. “In some cases, we don’t even have the names. We don’t have license plate numbers, we don’t have position or titles, we don’t have affiliate agencies.”

She added that in some instances people received more than one pass. “So when you give your husband, you give your wife and the children, those are family business, friends and family.”

Persad-Bissessar said, “All these letter passes, we will recall them. They will all… 625, will be recalled and persons can then reapply… and let’s see your criteria and why you get it.”

The recall takes effect immediately and all passes will become defunct on or before July 1.

“Persons with genuine needs…” can reapply, adding that strict controls will be in place moving forward.

She also made it clear that these are not official passes issued to government functionaries like members of Parliament or the judiciary.

“These are just a little letter the man gives it to you,” she said.

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Senator Eli Zakour stated that each letter pass costs $145, not including labour.