ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, January 12th, 2012 – An estimated 50 taxi and livery operators attended a public meeting on Virgin Gorda that took place last night at the Catholic Community Center to voice their concerns and put forward recommendations to the Ministry for a more efficient and effective industry.
Is it legal for livery operators to taxi? What are the disciplinary measures for operators who contravene the law? What is the role of a taxi and livery operator? Professionalism and organization were among the many questions and concerns raised during the meeting.
“There is a special provision in the Act for the Sister Islands only which allows operators of livery services to taxi,” DMV Commissioner Ms. Lorna Christopher explained also adding that with the establishment of the Taxi and Livery Commission it will not be business as usual as the penalties of fines, suspension or even revoking of permits will be imposed on persons who contravene the law.
“Many of the problems that were expressed during the meeting are matters that will be handled through the Commission. We are placing the onus on the Commissioners to take each complaint seriously, record them and act on them,” Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool told the Department of Information and Public Relations, adding that “Even though the commission is not fully functioning yet, I have instructed my Commissioner of the DMV to use the legislation to address the issues that can be addressed in the meanwhile.”
The meeting on Virgin Gorda was the second in a series of meetings being carried out by the Ministry of Communications and Works to assess the needs of the taxi and livery industry.
Other members of the delegation that met with taxi and livery operators on Virgin Gorda were the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Arlene Smith-Thompson, Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, Ms. Lorna Christopher, Territorial At Large member Honourable Archie Christian and representatives from the Taxi and Livery Commission.
The Ministry of Communications and Works is committed to providing efficient services in vehicle licensing matters and to enhance drivers’ safety in compliance with the road traffic legislation of the Territory
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British Virgin Islands News