Kindly allow me space to express my view of Downtown parking, which I have penned as an ‘Ode on Downtown Parking’.
I have shared this view with many Taxi drivers I know, and over a year ago with the Controller of Road Traffic. I do hope that venting my feelings on this matter is not the only relief to be had of this frustration.
The sun is shining and I feel fine
I’m driving with nary a frown.
A little shopping I’ve planned today
And where better than downtown?
The bookstore is just calling me
I’ll spend a short while there.
Then something nice to surprise the wife
For love is in the air.
I’ll run into a friend or two
And browse the other shops
The idea seems fantastic, its
No wonder I feel tops!
Alas, I find no place to park
As I cruise at a snail’s pace
Empty slots now five and counting,
But all marked ‘Taxi’ place.
I wonder should I take a chance?
Shan’t be away that long
And to keep passing empty Taxi spaces
Seems to me to be just wrong
“Chief you best don’t park dere.”
“This taxi space man, look.”
“Policeman come and see you now,
I know that you’ll get book.”
The taxi man ain joking
It happens all the time
They call police for hapless drivers
And make them pay a fine.
So I have to keep on driving
And leave Bay Street behind.
No shopping for me today I guess
Oh well then, never mind.
Meanwhile on downtown Bay Street
You’re hearing “Taxi Mam?”
Called out thrice on every block.
We need a better plan.
Yours truly,
Harold Munnings Jr. MD
Nassau, Bahamas.
Sunday, February 02, 2003.
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