Taxi associations praise transport practitioners for performance in sector

SEVERAL TAXI operators were on Sunday recognised for their contributions to the public transportation sector during an awards ceremony held at the Linstead Transportation Centre in St Catherine.

The ceremony was held through the joint efforts of the Spanish Town, Bog Walk and Linstead taxi associations.

Senator Damion Crawford, the opposition spokesman on education and community development and guest speaker at the event, told the award recipients that they should see themselves as more than taxi operators and instead consider themselves transport practitioners.

“The service that you are offering is of great significance to the country. Therefore you need to do all you can to maximise your profit,” Crawford said.

Crawford noted that, with artificial intelligence a new reality, all sectors must formulate structures to remain relevant.

The operators were told to streamline their operation to get tax exemptions like in farming and other such businesses.

“I want you to understand that the vehicles are the tools of your trade, but there needs to be a unified approach, but the challenge is that taxi business is for the small people, therefore you must get groups that deal with motor vehicles to partner with,” he said.

To achieve these benefits, Crawford said they need to structure their operations and obey the Road Code and show respect to the business.

“I appreciate some of my members who showed me. I judge for badge, punctuality, proper markings and upkeep of the vehicles,” said Michelle Taffe of the Bog Walk Taxi Association.

Among the more than 30 awardees on the day was Jerome Grey, with the longest continuous time serving at 23 years.

Special awards were given to Constable Fitzroy Tucker, for traffic enforcement, and Transportation Inspector Winston Edwards.

Aaron Mattis, president of the Spanish Town Taxi Association, endorsed the appreciation shown to the drivers.

“It is a great feeling that the men and women who serve the public daily are being recognised,” Mattis said.

Councillor Herbert Garriques, of the Linstead municipal division, said there needs to be improvement in the parking situation in the rural township.