The ongoing efforts to address illegal transportation at the V.C. Bird International Airport (VCBIA) has disrupted plans to increase public sector representation on the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board (ABTB).
Observer Media was informed that Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin, who set plans in motion in October to amend the law to add two representatives of the public transportation sector to the ABTB, has now confirmed these legislative changes are awaiting the return of a key legal mind.
President of the United Taxi Company (UTC) Ian Joseph said a task force was established following a meeting with Benjamin to regulate the current issue.
“The task force agreed on several implementation points, but logistical aspects remain a work in progress by the airport. A critical delay involves securing more boots on the ground, requiring coordination with entities like the police,” Joseph stated.
“The core situation causing disruption is people pretending to be legal transportation providers, leading to tourists being overcharged, losing personal items such as phones and passports, and hotels incorrectly calling legal providers about transfers,” he added. Joseph said the illegal operators are seen pausing and stopping on the side of the terminal to solicit and pick up passengers.
Joseph said that the Attorney General has followed through on securing dispatchers, though the logistics of their operation at the V.C. Bird International Airport are still being finalized.
“I had a positive conversation with the CEO of the airport on Sunday, who is supportive of getting the situation under control, and I am hopeful that positive action to deter illegal transportation will be visible at the V.C. Bird International Airport within a week,” he stated.
On the matter of the two new board positions announced in October, Joseph confirmed that the Attorney General is currently awaiting the return of one of his attorneys to the island before that legislative change to the make-up of the board can be made. Until that person returns, the process remains on hold.
