PHILIPSBURG:--- The SHTA would like to recognize the courage of the taxi driver Rofino Arrindell for bringing to a public forum a discussion regarding the taxi industry. While SHTA cannot comment on the validity of his claims, at a minimum, the claims warrant an open and frank discussion about the functioning of the taxi industry. Additionally, there is the broader topic of the potential use of the license/permitting process as political leverage or currency to purchase or discourage political support.
If the principle of the taxi industry is that licenses are issued to local individuals that don't have alternate sources of income, then the policies and execution of policies should be reflected this philosophy. However, if taxi/bus permits are handed out as political currency to buy or influence political agendas. It is no longer about the needs of the community but about political objectives. Should the claims of Mr. Arrindell be substantiated that individuals with independent sources of income are holding licenses and leasing them to generate secondary income, this is taking away opportunities from needy individuals. The unfair practice of using a license for multiple vehicles creates an uneven playing field, flooding the market with too many taxis, thereby diluting income for legitimate taxis.
The mechanism by which taxi/licenses are to be revoked and decommissioned appears to be unclear, which seems to have resulted in a mismatch between supply and demand.
Possible solutions for this could be as simple as starting to establish a clear means/needs tested policy on who should get taxi/bus permits as well as a clear policy and control for the use of help chauffeurs. Another solution could be public disclosure of who has holds a bus/taxi license which could be featured on the government website and the local online and printed media. A tip line where individuals can report taxi/bus improprieties could be established.
By establishing clear and transparent guidelines, the ability to use bus and taxi licenses and permits to be used as currency to purchase political support should be reduced or possibly even eliminated. This would enable our elected officials to focus on the establishment of clear and transparent policies. This same approach could easily be applied to all other discretionary permits such as land grants, work permits, building permits, business licenses etc.
SHTA, the largest business representative on the island, is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information, please contact the SHTA office: 542-0108, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website www.shta.com.