Taxi body accused
of discrimination
PHILIPSBURG--As the tourist season approaches, the Dutch St. Maarten Taxi Association (DSTA) is being accused of discriminating against persons who have been granted licences recently to operate taxis in St. Maarten.
DSTA member and former vice president of the board Ottis Hughes said the Island Government had issued a number of licences to persons recently to operate taxis. However, some applications to operate at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities have been turned down by DSTA.
The Daily Herald understands that at least three newly licensed operators have applied to become members of the association to operate at the harbour, but no formal decision has been taken on the matter. The board reportedly is scheduled to meet tomorrow, Thursday, to discuss this and other issues.
Hughes, who operates Taxi #50, said the move by DSTA to refuse the new members was discriminatory. He said too that it was against the Association’s constitution, which he claims does not stipulate a maximum number of persons allowed to operate under the Association. “There is a minimum number of persons, but not a maximum number,” Hughes contended.
A person who identified himself as the assistant secretary of DSTA said the association had no comment to make at this time.
Said Hughes: “It seems as if DSTA only wants a chosen few to become members to operate at the harbour. It has taken on two persons, but has refused about four or five new persons who have (been granted) new licences. I’m concerned about this, because it should be a free for all.
“The constitution says once you have legal status to operate as a taxi driver, you can be a member of the organisation. I’m also a driver and there are quite a few others out there who would like the opportunity to work at the cruise facility. I was once a member of the board and I think what they are doing is discriminatory.”
He continued: “A lot of people had to leave their jobs to become taxi drivers and they should get a fair share. If it was me, I would have wanted in.”
DSTA reportedly has more than 100 members operating at the harbour.
