MARIGOT--President of the Collectivit� Frantz Gumbs in a letter to Minister of Transportation and Tourism Franklyn Meyers dated May 24 has outlined the topics for discussion on transportation that the Collectivit� believes is important.
It has invited the Dutch side Government "once again" to add the agenda points it deems important so that "both our technicians can study the various concerns and be prepared to offer suggestions to bring about solutions."
The letter, however, does not directly address a solution or compromise to the current taxi fee controversy, whereby the Collectivit� intends to charge Dutch side taxi drivers 150 euros per year as of June 1 to operate from French side taxi stations. The fee has been flatly rejected by the four taxi associations of the Dutch side.
The issue instead is listed as one of five discussion points under the heading of taxis.
"Our professionals from both sides of the island have invested themselves in their trades through training, payment of required operational fees and the decision to professionalise their industry," Gumbs wrote. "We as Government can do nothing less than support their efforts. These men and women are our natural ambassadors for visitors who frequent our island and are the guarantors of safe passage to thousands of our citizens."
He added: "The seriousness of these issues are what led us to begin technical discussions with your staff on December 6, 2010 and further led to a request for meetings with you in February and again in March of this year as well as our most recent letter to your Government on May 13."
Gumbs acknowledged that Governments on both sides of the island have been able to negotiate, consult, and implement joint policies throughout history.
"These negotiations have always been professional, courteous, and respectful of the laws that govern either side and not through sound bites and articles in the press. I believe Government has a responsibility to institute policies that are for the greater good of its population."
The President noted as proof of this cordial relationship, the French side is conducting discussions with the Dutch side on issues such as water, garbage disposal, driver's licences, disaster management, and health concerns.
"I hope that now we have gotten off on the wrong foot on this issue we can now get down to the serious work of resolving issues and taking care of our people through serious discussions. After speaking with you this morning I believe we have the chance to do so," Gumbs said in ending his letter.
The points for discussion under Taxis included (1) Discussion on joint policy with relation to Gypsy drivers (2) Presentation of new registration identification and licence plates for French taxi drivers (in order to facilitate identification of legal drivers) (3) complaints of discrimination against non-orange shirt drivers at Pointe Blanche Pier (4) Replacement Taxi Operators for 10 dormant spaces that were previously held by taxi drivers from the North on the Pointe Blanche pier and (5) Fee requirement for Dutch side taxi drivers and tour operators operating from Northern side taxi stands and tourism destinations.
Discussion points under the heading "Buses" are (1) Proposal by Collectivit� Transportation Service for the organisation and scheduling of buses from both sides on International Routes between destinations on the Northern and Southern sides of the island and (2) Prohibition against licensed passenger buses from the southern side transporting tourists to and from Orient Bay and other northern side tourism destinations.
Mervyn King Oscars Niclas Alexandersson Mark Bright Robert Schumann Dorset
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