The courtesy brigades involved in the ‘War on Bad Manners’ will be dispatched to assault city minibus drivers and conductors routes through the use of overwhelming politeness, in their first offensive on Monday morning.

The routes being targeted are the Kitty/Campbellville, Lodge/South, Hospital and the East Coast.

Meanwhile the campaign has been noted in the wider Caribbean with suggestions that it be adopted in other countries.

President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Josef Forstmayr told Stabroek News that the idea was a “great one” and suggested that it be adopted in Jamaica.

He said, “you wouldn’t believe how nice immigration officers, customs officials and even road hogs become” when they smile.

A release issued by the Executive Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Donald Sinclair said volunteers from the University of Guyana Tourism Studies Unit will target the other mini-bus routes.

The activity will entail students boarding the buses and exchanging 2-minute bus courtesy tips with drivers and conductors, as well as distributing flyers. Ranks from the Guyana Police Force will be part of this campaign at the parks to give assistance and to reinforce compliance with the manners campaign, Sinclair said, adding that the police have also been asked to intensify the ‘counselling’ component on the roadways.

While some minibus drivers are courteous, too many bully other drivers, do not give way or use horns and loud music in an offensive and annoying way, Sinclair said.

Speeding is also a form of poor behaviour that the campaign targets.

On Monday morning the courtesy brigade, wearing white shirts and red sashes, will assemble at 7.45 at the University of Guyana Bus Park in the Avenue of the Republic and march to the campaign station in the Demico House area.