The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

DAVID Jones, president of the Grand Bahama Taxi Union, said the most significant issue cab drivers face in the Grand Bahama is with the illegal operation of tour operators at the harbour, airport and hotels.

Mr Jones said Minister of Transport Frankie Campbell met with cab drivers last week at a special meeting in Grand Bahama to address the challenges they face.

He said the minister is expected to meet with them again to further discuss the matter concerning tour operators at the harbour.

“Taxi drivers turned out in full numbers and are looking forward to Minister Campbell’s return to Grand Bahama soon,” Mr Jones told The Tribune.

The taxi union president claims tour operators are not only selling pre-arranged transportation on cruise ships but also selling it to visitors on the ground which is against the rules governing tour operators and taxi drivers at Freeport Harbour. They also claim tour operators are encroaching at the airport. Mr Jones told The Tribune in July that cab drivers are “barely surviving” at the airport.

Taxi drivers have complained about these issues for some time. In 2016, Mr Jones called for a 50-50 arrangement to be put in place at the harbour. It is alleged taxi drivers move only a small percentage of cruise ship visitors at the harbour, while a single tour operator reportedly transports as much as 80 percent of visitors.

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie, whose father was a cab driver, had promised there would be an equal sharing arrangement at the harbour. However, that never happened.

Another issue is the matter of hotels providing transportation to their guests off the property. Mr Jones said the practice continues to take place at a local resort in Freeport. Last Thursday, Mr Campbell met with public transportation drivers on Grand Bahama and with staff at the Road Traffic Department. He met with cab drivers at a special meeting at the Grand Bahama Taxi Union Hall, where he addressed issues, such as the contentious situation at the harbour, and matters surrounding the issue of taxi plates and franchises.

Mr Campbell also talked to them about the importance of keeping their taxicabs clean and adequately maintained.

He assured them the public transport system in Grand Bahama, as it relates to cab drivers, has to be dealt with to fix the entire island.

The minister stressed Grand Bahama is a very important part of the Bahamas, and that taxicab drivers play an essential role in the economic sustainability of the island. Mr Campbell explained because tourism is the number one industry all stakeholders must play their role to ensure the tourism experience is one that will result in repeat visitors.

Mr Jones said there are some ongoing matters Mr Campbell is expected to address next week.

“The tour operators are operating illegally at the hotel and drivers are concerned about taxi plates, but the biggest issue is tour operators and road traffic officials doing what they were supposed to do,” he said.

“We have some other issue, but I can’t say right what those are because he (Mr Campbell) will be back this week to continue discussions,” Mr Jones said.