The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

DOZENS of taxi drivers staged a strike on Friday outside Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), protesting being locked out of the commercial lane used to service arriving visitors.

The protest was led by newly elected Bahamas Taxicab Union (BTCU) president Tyrone Butler, who said he was informed of recent changes to the airport’s holding area — the designated queue for taxis waiting to pick up passengers.

Mr Butler claimed the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) had instructed that only two taxis be allowed in the queue simultaneously, down from the usual four. He said this change reduced the number of taxis available to serve guests and that many drivers were denied entry to the holding area, preventing them from accessing the commercial lane. 

The strike caused traffic congestion near the US departures area, as taxi drivers parked their vehicles in the driving lane. Some drivers in the commercial lane also refused fares in solidarity with the union, leading to many guests being transported in private or livery cars. Police officers were seen at the scene attempting to restore order. 

Mr Butler said BTCU members were not informed of any changes by NAD’s Manager of Parking and Ground Transportation, Nicole Henfield. However, during the protest, Mr Butler and other taxi drivers spoke with Ms Henfield, who reportedly said she did not issue any instruction to limit taxi access.

Taxi drivers were eventually told they could return to the original call-back system at LPIA. 

Despite the resolution, Mr Butler said the union would not be silenced or dismissed and announced that a follow-up meeting with NAD would take place on Tuesday to discuss ongoing concerns.

He said the main issue for taxi drivers is sharing space with livery drivers at the airport. Mr Butler argued that taxis should not be required to operate alongside what he called an “illegitimate” franchise.

He warned that if the matter is not properly addressed, the union will consider further action.

“We’re not saying that we’re going to be disruptive,” he said. “But if we have to — because we believe that the government is an enabler of the foolishness that is happening at this airport. No way should a government allow private franchises to come to this airport and solicit and offer their services, because the law only recognises taxis to be at an airport.”

In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Transport and Energy expressed disappointment over the demonstration. The ministry said it was advised the protest was prompted by a rumour that taxi drivers would have limited access to pick up passengers at the airport. The ministry said NAD has since confirmed the rumour was untrue and that the misunderstanding has been resolved.

“The ministry is aware that recent elections for The Bahamas Taxicab Union were held and that there was a change in leadership. However, the Ministry and Road Traffic Department have not been made aware of any grievances by taxi drivers and have not met with the new executives of the union,” the statement read.

The ministry acknowledged the valuable contributions of taxi drivers to the economy and said it looks forward to meeting with the new BTCU leadership as early as this week.