Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Government Moving to Regularize Illegal Taxi Operators
#Kingston, February 5, 2019 – Jamaica – Transport and Mining Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, says the Government is moving to regularize the “robot” taxi industry by encouraging operators to register as a company with the Transport Authority (TA).
“We are offering them the opportunity to become formalized, so we are freeing up the licence,” he said at a meeting with members of Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS) at the Ministry in Kingston on Thursday (January 31).
“In the past, the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) would close the route. You could not get a licence on certain routes. We have opened up these routes, so it is not difficult for a person to get a road traffic licence,” he added.
He noted that the Ministry is also moving to “allow persons to craft their own routes and register them with us, so there is no excuse not to apply”.
The Transport Minister said that another strategy being employed is limiting the number of licences held by a private citizen.
“Transport operators will not be able to get more than three private licences. Right now, an individual can get any amount of licences. Once you exceed this number, you should be registered as a company,” he said.
He noted that discussions are being held with insurance companies in order to enable operators to provide passengers with some protection in the event of a road accident.
“Now if it (insurance) is on a company, and an accident occurs and a claim is made, the passenger is in a better position,” he pointed out.
Minister Montague said that the Government will be working with the courts, insurance companies and the Island Traffic Authority to treat with persons who are caught and convicted of operating illegally.
“If a person insists on running as a robot taxi, we have to robustly deal with them. The appeal is that all persons who are operating as robots… should go to the TA and apply for their licence,” Mr. Montague said.
“The challenge that we have is to change the mindset that the transport industry is a hustle and make it into a business. There are some operators that have been in the business for over 40 years. I want to leverage their experience to make it better for them,” he added.
Release: JIS
Contact: Rochelle Williams
Photo Caption: Transport and Mining Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, addresses members of Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS) during a meeting on Thursday (January 31), at the Ministry’s Maxfield Avenue offices in Kingston.
By: The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter
May 9, 2024 – The FCCA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), has launched an annual scholarship in honor of former Prime Minister of Barbados, The Right Honorable Professor Owen Seymour Arthur, who played a significant role in advancing the cruise trade association’s vision.
The annual gift of US$25,000 will be awarded to a different Caribbean destination each year to support the work of either an educational institution or a nonprofit organization chosen by the destination.
Barbados will receive the inaugural Owen Arthur scholarship, and next year’s scholarship destination winner will be announced at the ‘Shining Stars FCCA Foundation Dinner’ during Seatrade Cruise Global 2025.
“I am honored that the Foundation can continue the legacy of The Right Honorable Professor Owen Seymour Arthur, who truly inspired my career and empowered so many throughout the Caribbean, as well as making it possible to have the current partnership between the cruise industry and the Caribbean,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “Hopefully this scholarship can live up to his memory by providing a platform for future generations in the region.”
By: The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter
May 9, 2024 – The historic UN Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island States (SIDS) brought global attention to the significant challenges faced by small islands, underscoring that their concerns were big issues for all.
On April 26, several key figures who contributed to the 1994 Barbados meeting gathered in Bridgetown to commemorate its 30th
anniversary. The outcome of the 1994 meeting was the Barbados Program of Action, which delineated how the world community should address the unique vulnerabilities of islands, particularly in response to climate change.
Despite initial reluctance from powerful UN members to hold more than one SIDS conference, subsequent gatherings in Mauritius and Samoa and a fourth global conference scheduled for Antigua and Barbuda in May 2024 are a testament to some of the successes of the SIDS process.
In Antigua and Barbuda, the international community will convene to review the sustainable development progress of SIDS and propose a new decade of partnerships and solutions to accelerate their journey toward resilient prosperity.
The Barbados meeting last month provided a reflective journey for many, as attendees, including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, paid tribute to the late Ambassador Miles Stoby of Guyana, the visionary behind the initiative and for whom Barbados was, fittingly, a second
Caption: Ambassador Lyutha al Mughairy (widow of Ambassador Miles Stoby) greets Garth Sandiford, son of late Barbados Prime Minister Erskine Sandiford. Looking on are Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and former UN Under-Secretary General Peter Hansen.
By: The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter
May 9, 2024 – The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC), held April 22-24 at Radisson Grenada Beach Resort was a resounding success.
The conference is the Caribbean’s foremost event for high-level networking and dialogue on sustainable tourism, providing a crucial platform for tourism policymakers, private sector stakeholders, thought leaders, and strategic partners to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.
The meeting highlighted the essential pillars necessary for creating a transformative and regenerative legacy under the theme “The 5 Ps for a Legacy of Caribbean Tourism Sustainability: People, Planet, Prosperity, Purpose & Partnership”.
Thought-provoking addresses from Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, set the stage for discussions about the future of Caribbean tourism.
PM Mitchell stressed the need to include a broader array of stakeholders in the tourism conversation, while Stewart highlighted the importance of partnerships and unity within the sector. The conference was marked by authentic displays of Grenadian culture and dynamic panel sessions.
Caption: Adam Stewart of Sandals Resorts International delivered the keynote address.
The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter
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