The National Taxi Union has met with its members to explain its operations and share important updates about the sector.
President Terry Valcin said this week’s meeting was held to update stakeholders and address concerns. He explained that the main goal was to inform members about the NTU’s work and clear up rumours about the union’s legal status.
The NTU recently saw two executive committee members resign after criticising the direction of the union’s leadership.
Valcin said the union used the meeting to be open with its members. He added that the discussion helped clear up misconceptions and explain the union’s position.
A key topic was the long-awaited taxi permit system. The union believes this will lead to better regulation and accountability in the industry. Valcin called the permit a step that could “put us in a more grounded position when it comes to enforcement under the laws of Saint Lucia.”
He pointed out ongoing challenges in the sector, saying that “we have all sorts of people doing taxi”, even though there are regulations. He noted that the law requires proper authorisation, but delays in issuing permits have made enforcement difficult.
He said this issue is now being addressed. “We have crossed that hurdle,” Valcin said, adding that by the end of September, “every taxi driver on island with a TX plate should have that permit to operate, right within the perimeters of the law.”
He explained that this change will let authorities act more decisively. He noted that “the police could at any time stop someone with an H, P or Q” number plate, and under the law, “they are not entitled to do taxi.”
The union is urging drivers to get ready for the changes early, especially during the slower season. Valcin said the off-season is a good time because “a lot of taxi drivers have some time on their hands”, so they can complete the needed steps before the deadline.
Along with new regulations, the union is also encouraging the use of technology in the sector. At the meeting, members learned about a new app designed to modernise taxi services and make them more competitive.
Valcin said talks about the app started months ago, and a demonstration was held to help drivers understand how it works.
He emphasized the need to adapt to a fast-changing world and called the shift a global “revolution” in technology. He said drivers should be ready, no matter their experience, and the union is helping members “whether you are 60 years, old school,…get up to the times.”
He said the bigger goal is to change how drivers view their work. Valcin encouraged members to treat their jobs as a business and to get more involved in the sector’s growth.
After the general meeting, the union’s executive team held more discussions and made changes to its leadership. Valcin confirmed that “we have selected the two replacements,” and said there are plans to reshuffle roles to strengthen the team.
He said new members have joined from different parts of the island, including both the north and south. He believes this gives the organisation better balance. “Now I think we have a very good blend when it comes to the executive,” he said.
Valcin said he is confident in the new team, calling them experienced and dependable. He said the union can count on them “at any given time for assistance and without a doubt, they would be there,” and that they bring “different expertise and ability to strengthen the sector.”
He added that these changes will help the union better handle the industry’s changes. He said the new members will help “take us where we want to in a modern era”.
