MP Lawrence Scott, The PLP Shadow Minister for Transport, says that he has it on good authority that representatives of the taxi owner/operators have been given the 'run-around' for months as they attempt to achieve something as simple as a meeting with an apparent inactive Minister. The 400 strong Bermuda Taxi Association's (BTA) support the establishment of a "Taxi Authority" - and the shadows ministers believes that they deserve the courtesy of a meeting with the Minister.
Shadow Minister Scott explained that a Taxi Authority is a positive step. "Its intent is to add structure, streamline and increase efficiency, improve customer service, cut waiting time for a taxi, and most important for the viability of the industry ... stimulate revenue streams, thereby generating more profits for the owner/operators.
Mr. Scott declared emphatically the BTA have every right to be frustrated with Minister Crockwell, the Transport Minister: "reportedly meetings have been scheduled then postponed - and not rescheduled. I believe an Authority represents the way forward in creating a level playing field for a significant percentage within the transportation industry".
The Shadow Minister concluded by observing that in a modern and dynamic economy we need to be able to provide medical benefits and at the very least the option of negotiating reduced rates and prices for mechanical parts and services for those in the public transportation service/industry; which is why we need in this instance an 'inactive Minister Crockwell to become Proactive', meet with and support the BTA in their desire to establish a "Taxi Authority".
Monday, 3 June 2013
Monday, 20 May 2013
Minister Crockwell Owes the Bermudian Public and Taxpayer an Explanation!
On Friday, Minister Shawn Crockwell rose to his feet in
Parliament to adamantly declare that the charter ferry "Millennium"
is already on the island, and should be deployed next week. An article in the
Royal Gazette went on to report the Minister as saying: "The Millennium"
has come in, and needs a period of time to get things ready, and will be in
service next week".
However, over the weekend I have been unable, to find
independent confirmation of the Minister's claim. In fact, to the contrary, I
have heard from members of the public who are emphatic that the charter boat is
yet to arrive in Bermuda.
Given the growing number of Bermudians who both question the
current whereabouts of the "Millennium", and the wisdom of the $1.3
million expenditure (or more) of tax payer dollars for the services of a
charter boat which was not used, or required, to move the large concentration
of passengers from the Breakaway; both the Government and the Minister:
"Owe the Bermudian public and taxpayer an explanation!"
Unless the Minister is able to confirm that the charter
ferry was in Bermuda waters when he rose to speak in Parliament his credibility
and that of the Government will be seriously questioned. In addition I repeated
the point I made in the House of Assembly: " it can be seen that over the
past five months the ministers management style has resulted in a hefty price
tag that is in the millions ... and appears to become more costly with each
decision he makes ."
If it proves that the Minister is willing to mislead
the house and public over a relatively small issue, what will he do when it
comes to the big issues?
Saturday, 11 May 2013
Thursday, 2 May 2013
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