UPDATE: BVIPA reacts to pressure from taxi operators!
They had indicated to our news room about being disenfranchised because of the project and that no one cared about ensuring they have adequate space to operate.
Taxi operators described the situation as being in “confusion” and “mayhem” because of the limited space for them to operate their vehicles.
Let’s get it fixed- BVIPA
Following our article and the outcry from the public, the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) has, in their usual ‘reactive mode’, this week communicated to personnel working on the Ports Development Project and, according to our sources inside the Authority, have agreed to address the taxi professionals’ concerns.
The Deputy Director of the BVIPA, Alfred 'Al' Henley, has reached out to Project Officer Dion A. Stoutt calling for the creation of an area that provides more space for taxi professionals.
Mr Stoutt has proposed a short term solution, once it does not infringe on the sidewalks and taxis having to drive to the government complex.
To improve the parking conditions at the Ports Development Project, it is proposed that they move back the fence at the Cruise Pier some 40 feet and have 3 lanes of buses and 2 sidewalks. According to information obtained from sources close to the situation, it is the hope that two lanes will be merged into “one and then one lane coming out”.
The proposal on the table is to hold at least 15 buses parked and waiting properly, according to the sources. There will also be sticks outlining the corrective measures.
It remains unclear when the correction to the uncomfortable situation taxi professionals are facing will be addressed.
See previous story published on January 8, 2015:
Taxi drivers irate at parking confusion at Cruise Pier
Taxi operators have been venting their frustration at the limited parking space afforded to them at the Cruise Pier and the confusion and threat to safety that have arisen out of the situation.
Yesterday January 7, 2015 at the beck and call of the taxi operators, our reporter went to the scene to meet face to face with the aggrieved men. Their plight was felt even before getting directly to the site as the words confusion and mayhem were limited to describe the situation of traffic in the area at the time.
“This is crazy and they sitting right over there (Government Administration complex) in their fancy chairs and seeing what is going on and no one coming to address this situation,” were the words of one taxi driver when he learnt that a reporter was on the scene. “Write it, write it, this is nonsense here, they treating us like dogs, they don’t care a dime, they happy up there and we suffering down here, just look around, just look around and you seeing why I am upset with these people,” he continued as his voice belched out hurt and frustration.
Taxis were parked in every small crease, corner and crevice. One taxi operator said Government failed to address key safety and orderly matters such as parking when making the temporary arrangements for cruise tourists while the pier is being extended.
“They had put us over there (pointing to an open space) but they threw us out and provided no alternative and so we in this confusion. People now looking at the cruise ship schedule to see when ship coming in so they wouldn’t come around this side because of the confusion,” another said.
“They need to have a protest, they need to let them people over there in that building come to work one morning and find all these parking lots around here blocked off and we protesting…. Organise a protest, I is one will go to the front, I will lead it, this is a bundle of insult they showing us. We pay more than all them big trucks to be on these roads and they not investing to make things proper for us,” another stated.
But one taxi operator didn’t feel the issue needed to be in the news because the situation is “like unto a two edged sword”. Pressed to explain what he meant, the taxi operator said, “We shouldn’t depend on government to do everything for us, that land is private land (pointing to an open lot) why can’t we band together and approach the land owner to allow us to use there for parking temporarily, government responsible yes but we can help ourselves too,” he insisted.
Some of the taxi drivers expressed concern that with the confusion over parking a serious accident involving a tourist is something that is highly likely. “There were many near incidents but it seems they are waiting for a really serious one before they address this issue out here,” said a taxi operator.
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21 Responses to “UPDATE: BVIPA reacts to pressure from taxi operators!”
It seems that having friends in high places allows Taxi Drivers to make special cases and be treated softly. A tougher stance is required to give the public a better service.
no chance of winning anything---the strong arm stuff works at the BVI PA, not in CGB and new JVD---give it up