The BVI Taxi Association (BVITA) has acknowledged competition in the taxi industry but said it is more interested in filling the void with new and improved initiatives. Photo: VINO

Mr Julio S. Henry, who was well supported by other members of the BVITA, emphasized that if anyone should say the BVITA is not in support of the bus system that would be untrue. 'Any taxi guy who would stand up to say a bus service will cut into his business …is fooling himself, he is lying and is being deceitful,' added Mr Henry. Photo: VINO

Newly elected president of the BVI Taxi Association (BVITA) Mr Karl ‘Dub’ Scatliffe (2nd from right) also acknowledged that the association faces a lot of criticisms from commuters, which he said are attributed to the fact that the BVITA is one of the most centrally located. His view was supported by other members of the BVITA. Photo:VINO

Mr Henry was at the time addressing reporters at a press briefing called to outline plans for the BVITA going forward. “The real winner in that is the customer…” stated Mr Henry as he noted that the many issues facing the general taxi environment in the Virgin Islands (VI) include complaints that they do not provide the level of service as is required.

“…that we neglect some of our local patrons, that we never open late, that we don’t provide some much services like when the cruise ships are in…. so if we can put something in place that would cause Beef Island taxis to step up their game, Waterfront Taxi Association to step up their game, West End Taxi Association to step up their game what will now happen to the taxi industry is that we will now eliminate all of the complaints and then it would be better for everybody,” said Mr Henry.

Newly elected President of BVITA, Mr Karl ‘Dub’ Scatliffe also acknowledged that the taxi industry faces a lot of sharp hits from commuters, which he said can be attributed to the fact that BVITA is one of the most centrally located. “So what we want to do is to make sure that we have whatever they (local and other customers) ask for.”

Vice president, ‘Brother’ Musa Muhammed added that in stepping up their service they are aggressively looking at including necessary measures to cater more for persons with disabilities. “There is a void in that also. We have a number of handicapped tourists that come in on the cruise ships, so we are looking at the idea of providing that type of service in addition to what Sam has already put on the board.”

BVITA all for the bus system

The BVITA also dispelled allegations that they oppose the implementation of a bus system. Mr Henry told reporters that such a claim is a misconception. “…In fact some of the taxi guys and I will stand up to be the first to say we support it and were part of the same conversation to put a bus system in place.” He said a bus system is very important to the development of the country.

It was said that what the BVITA is in opposition of is suggestions in some sections where some taxi drivers want to be licensed as taxi operators and running bus service between East End and Road Town.

“… and that is wrong, and that is where we say the Taxi Livery Commission should be focusing on regulating the industry properly."

Mr Henry, who was well supported by other members of the BVITA, emphasized that if anyone should say the BVITA is not in support of the bus system that would be untrue. “Any taxi guy who would stand up to say a bus service will cut into his business …is fooling himself, he is lying and is being deceitful,” added Mr Henry.