Rishi Ram ousted in Fiji Taxi Association polls
Longtime general secretary defeated 100 votes to 57 after 20 years in Taxi Association seat.
There has been a change of leadership for the Fiji Taxi Association (FTA) after elections from July 25-31. The leadership changes also means change in priorities by the new group of FTA executives. This will include raising the profile of the association, upgrading the standard of taxis and growing the industry. This was revealed by newly-elected FTA President Rabhen Bhan Singh, who said he was eager to work with the Government to improve the industry. “Since we were able to get the taxi permits, we will try to get the right permits to the drivers who need it,” said Mr Singh.
For the past 28 years, Mr Singh has been involved in the transport industry.
Rishi Ram ousted
Meanwhile, long-time general secretary of the association, Rishi Ram, has had to give up his position to incoming Ashwin Ashis Lal. Mr Lal received 100 votes while Mr Ram received 57 votes. Mr Ram, who has held the position for the past 20 years, said in an interview last night: “There is new blood in the FTA and I welcome these fresh faces. “I wish them all the best in their future endeavours and my doors are always open to help them. “I want them to work on the increase of taxi fares and control the issuing of taxi permits,” he said.
When asked what he would do after his long service to FTA, Mr Ram said he would have a break and continue with his work as a taxi proprietor.
President profile
Mr Bhan was president for the Lautoka Taxis Association for the past seven years and under his leadership there was a visible improvement in the standard of taxis.
Mr Singh said he would use the same strategy as the President of FTA. “We have a new lot of people coming in. We have a new Secretary, Vice President and we have a new set of executives,” he said.
“The FTA is eager to work with the Bainimarama Government at the end of the day because previous Presidents did not work with the government of the day.
“The whole group will be coming in with new and fresh ideas so that we can all work to raise the standards in the taxi industry.” One major issue of concern that Mr Singh wants to prioritise during his presidency is holding discussions with the FijiFirst Government to secure the duty free importation of taxis.
He explained that when taxi owners wanted to import more than one taxi, they had to pay duty. “We want the Fijian Government to revoke the duties for the importation of taxis. We want to have dutyfree taxis,” Mr Singh said.