Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Taxi and Livery Commission to oversee the taxi industry and the operational aspects of the Road Traffic (Taxi Cab) Amendment.
The powers of the commission include carrying out safety inspections; removing any vehicle for hire found to be operating in an unsafe manner; monitoring authorised taxi stands and ports to ensure compliance with regulations; and otherwise enforcing regulations, according to Government Information Services.
“I am happy that the commission is now in place to regulate the industry and help resolve some of the many complaints that we receive,” said Myrna Ferdinand, deputy secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works.
The commission is made up of Chairman Marvin Blyden; Farid Rasheed, representing taxi operators on Tortola; Sanford Flax, representing taxi operators on the sister islands; and Darcus Fahie, representing livery services in the territory.
Ex officio members include the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works; the commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles; and the directors of the BVI Tourist Board and the BVI Ports Authority.
The Taxi and Livery Commission became effective on Feb. 1, according to GIS.