Limousine drivers and Ministry of Transport officials were locked in discussions Monday over alleged ‘unfair competition’ from a Bahamian tour company, that appears to be partnering with tourism giant, Sun International.
The independent limousine drivers are calling on Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin to intervene, claiming a monopoly is being created by Bahamas Experience.
Reportedly, since last May, when Atlantis entered into a contract with Bahamas Experience to transport VIP guests, the independent drivers’ business dropped by 50-75 per cent.
The irate drivers claimed the contract has stacked the deck against them, and it has now reached a point where they are being pushed aside, scrapping to make ends meet.
According to information reaching the Guardian, the two-hour meeting held at the ministry, ended without a clear resolution.
When the Guardian caught up with Minister Hanna-Martin, she refused to comment. However, she noted that another meeting with the drivers has been scheduled for a later date.
Bahamas Taxi-Cab Union vice-president, Cheryl Ferguson, also offered “no comment” on the matter.
When the Guardian’s news team exited the building, it was observed that limousine drivers were huddled in discussion. They also refused to comment on the matter, pending discussion with ministry of transport officials.
Also present in the meeting was Bishop Neil Ellis, senior pastor of Mount Tabor Full Gospel.
The Guardian attempted to contact Michael Symonette of Bahamas Experience, but was told he was not in office at the time. The telephone call was not returned.
When the situation was brought to light earlier this month, limousine driver Bradley Crawley called on Atlantis to “level the paying field,” allowing drivers to make their fair share of the transportation business.
“All we are asking Atlantis to do is to come out of the transportation business and make it fair for everybody,” he said.
Mr. Crawley said with 90 per cent or more of the limousine business created by Atlantis and the government, giving Bahamas Experience the go ahead to import 20 cars (all of which are green in colour) into the country, effectively squeezed out the small man.
He said the company (Atlantis) no longer uses outside drivers to assist in the transport of the visitors.
Also speaking at the time about his plight was Kendal Culmer, who called for fairness in the industry.
“I believe that if there is to be fairness to all, and Bahamas Experience like the other company expects to make a profit, but it ought not take advantage of the small man,” he said.
Keva Lightbourne, The Nassau Guardian
