The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

TAXI drivers who service Prince George Wharf have demanded a meeting with tourism officials following a small demonstration in the downtown area yesterday.

Shortly after 10am, several drivers banded together and demanded to meet with officials at the Ministry of Tourism to raise concerns over how they are treated by security, law enforcement and government personnel at the site.

Following the brief demonstration, Prince George Dock Taxi Drivers Committee Chairman Fredrick Wallace, in an interview with The Tribune, denied the action taken by his organisation was done to "slow productivity" at the major cruise port.

Mr Wallace said drivers simply acted in a manner necessary to "get their concerns heard".

"We weren't attempting to make a scene or cause a problem, all we want to do is take our concerns to the powers that be," he told The Tribune.

He added: "We didn't take to the streets with crowds or loud actions, we simply walked up the wharf and asked to meet with the officials to communicate some concerns we have."

When asked to elaborate on what those concerns are, Mr Wallace refused, insisting he didn't want to "play" his committee's concerns in the press.

"It is our intent to take it to the authorities and work it out there. They now know we want to meet with them, let's see what their next move is. If they brush us off, you can feel free to call what we do after that a protest."

While it was unclear whether the committee was able to communicate cab drivers' issues to the relevant authorities, Mr Wallace maintained that his organisation was now in a position to advance the discussion.

A local tabloid earlier this week reported that taxi drivers park at Prince George Wharf at night and sleep in their vehicles in an attempt to be first in line at 5.30am, when the docks open to tourists.

That report also alleged that because there are no available restrooms, the drivers instead relieve themselves in their vehicles and throw the waste in the nearby sea.

The allegations were subsequently dismissed by Bahamas Taxicab Union President Philip Watkins as "old news" and "irrelevant".

Mr Watkins in his dismissal did, however, confirm drivers were still positioning themselves in queues as early as possible to ensure business.

When contacted, Road Traffic Controller Ross Smith declined to comment on calls for taxi drivers to be banned from parking on the wharf overnight, but did suggest that the time for drivers to begin their days could be postponed from 5.30am to a later time.