WESTERN BUREAU — Fearful that the Government-owned Montego Bay Metro bus company is about to close, more than 40 placard-bearing employees Friday made sure that Prime Minister P J Patterson is aware of their concerns about their future employment.

They staged a peaceful demonstration near the ground-breaking ceremony for the Great River/Lucea Water Project in Sandy Bay, Hanover, where the prime minister was in attendance.

But after the two-and-a half hour ceremony, Patterson drove past the demonstrators, who had been protesting since 11 o’clock. This incensed the protestors, many of whom concluded that the prime minister was unconcerned about their welfare.

“That’s our prime minister of this country,” one of them said in a huff. “Here we are from morning demonstrating because we have an issue to be dealt with, and we know that he is aware of it, and he passes as if he doesn’t recognise us.

“That’s very bad. Is this how the prime minister put people first?” he asked.

The workers contend that since last Monday, MoBay Metro has significantly reduced its fleet of buses on the road and has sent home most of its 75 drivers and conductors.

“We don’t know what exactly is happening at the company but what is clear is that the bus company is almost closed down,” one of the demonstrators told the Sunday Observer.

Driver Casdel Grant said only five of the company’s 32 buses operated on Monday and the number was further reduced to two Friday.

“The other buses are parked and there is no explanation from management about what is happening,” Grant said.

Transport and Works Minister Bobby Pickersgill could not be reached for comment about the future of the firm, and the administrator at the Montego Bay-based company, Marsha Love, was tight-lipped on the matter when the Sunday Observer contacted her office.

“I can’t give any information on the matter at this time,” she said. “As far as I know, my general manager, Anthony Copeland, is in Kingston discussing the matter with the relevant authorities.”

Montego Bay Metro Ltd began providing transportation, at a reduced rate, for students and adults in sections of St James, Hanover and Trelawny more than four years ago. It began as a private sector entity with funding provided by the Government, but now falls under the ambit of the transport ministry.

The company employs close to 100 people and has a fleet of 32 buses, including two luxury coaches.