Taxi operators in Nine Miles, Bull Bay, St. Thomas, spread placards across their cars protesting the increases in motor licensing fees, yesterday. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer TAXI DRIVERS in St. Thomas joined their colleagues across the island by withdrawing their services yesterday. They were protesting the increase in motor licensing fees and other taxes.
Drivers in Lyssons, Seaforth and Nine Miles all staged peaceful demonstrations in their areas. There was only one report of a road block along the Lyssons main road but that was quickly cleared by the police. The police accused the drivers of intimidating others who were working; even physically taking passengers from the cars. But the protestors denied removing any passengers, claiming that after reasoning with their colleagues, the drivers kindly asked their passengers to exit the vehicles.
All the drivers maintained that the increases are excessively high, citing that some fines have increased by up to 300 per cent.
In Seaforth, taxi drivers parked their cars and were adamant that they would not cease their action until there is a roll back of the increases. They are also calling for reforms to the Traffic Court in Yallahs, as they feel that they are not receiving fair hearings.
In Nine Miles, illegal taxi operators, popularly known as 'robots,' lined the streets as drivers parked their vehicles. Taxi operators who spoke with The Gleaner said that buses plying the Cane River to Kingston route were also on strike. They complained that the police are quick to charge them for chartering, even if they are carrying a single passenger.
At press time, there were no arrests but at least one driver was ticketed for obstructing traffic. The police said they are unsure if there will be further protests today but are prepared to handle them.
