Irate J’can takes legal action against JUTA
An irate Jamaican residing overseas, says he has been left with no other option but to take legal action against The Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA), Kingston Chapter, over the non-payment of monies amounting to $583,000 for a contract.
Robert Clayton, a member of JUTA, told THE STAR that from late last year he was given a contract to transport staff from Spanish Town, St Catherine to the University of the West Indies (UWI).
Clayton said he was not on the island, but he had left a reliable person in charge of his 55 seater bus; in fact, he said that vehicle is no longer on the contract, due to the fact that he has gone into bankruptcy.
He said that in August he got part payment and since then he has not received anymore funds.
When asked if taking legal action against the company would spoil their relationship, Clayton said that he has been left with no other option.
“I have my personal expediters and I got part payment in August and nothing since. I cannot put my life on pause because I am not getting my money. I am frustrated,” Clayton said. “As recent as last week, I have been trying to contact them (JUTA), and they are not taking any calls, I have even sent messages and no response.”
Acting President of JUTA, Alvin Brown, said that Clayton is not the only member who the company owes and the business is going through a challenging period right now.
When asked how soon could the owing funds would be paid over, Brown said that the figure is presently been worked out as there is a discrepancy with the amount that Clayton says JUTA owes.
“Like any other organisation, our company is going through a difficult situation right now and the members are aware of that. As we speak, I am in the process of writing a letter to the transport minister as the playing field is not level,” Brown said.
He also added that the company is having challenges competing with the JUTC, because the government entity he said is in a better position to offer the public better prices.