Antigua Airport Taxi Operators Meet to Discuss Eight-Point Proposal Amid Illegal Driver Concerns

Taxi Operators Convene Over Illegal Driver Impasse

Taxi operators at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda are holding a crucial meeting today, October 1, 2025, to deliberate on an eight-point proposal. The initiative seeks to address long-standing issues concerning illegal private drivers operating at the airport and to establish greater order and fairness within the transportation sector. This meeting follows an ultimatum issued by licensed taxi drivers, who had set today as the deadline for authorities to take decisive action against unauthorized operators.

Government Responds with Committee Formation

The discussions come in the wake of heightened tensions between licensed taxi operators and the government. On September 18, 2025, the United Taxi Company (UTC), representing licensed drivers, warned of potential disruptions as the winter tourist season approaches if the issue of illegal operators was not resolved. Vice President Gregory Ail (also referred to as Gregory Athill) of the National Taxi Association stated that drivers had 'exhausted patience' with government delays. In response, Acting Prime Minister Steadroy Benjamin briefed the Cabinet on September 25, 2025, leading to the approval of a Select Committee. This committee was tasked with examining the concerns of the Airport Taxi Association and other stakeholders, with a mandate to recommend updated regulations and service improvements.

Eight-Point Proposal Details Emerge

The eight-point proposal, crafted by a special committee established by Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, aims to find a compromise in the ongoing dispute. UTC President Ian Joseph confirmed that the company submitted a detailed proposal to the Attorney General earlier this week, advocating for stricter enforcement of airport regulations. Key recommendations under review include:

• Stronger police action against unauthorized drivers.
• Implementation of separate licensing fees for airport-based operators.
• Establishment of a royalty program for the United Taxi Company.
• Introduction of a dispatch system to enhance the organization of pickups.

These measures, according to Joseph, are intended to 'ensure order, fairness, and accountability at the airport,' rather than to exclude other operators.

Long-Standing Concerns and Future Outlook

The issue of illegal taxi operations has been a recurring challenge for licensed drivers in Antigua and Barbuda. In August 2024, the Antigua and Barbuda National Taxi Association raised alarms about the increasing number of illegal operators using private vehicles with 'A' or 'C' plates, bypassing essential training, licensing, and background checks. Licensed operators argue that these unregulated services undercut their livelihoods and compromise passenger safety and the nation's reputation. The government had previously indicated plans in April 2025 to draft new legislation to regulate airport transportation, acknowledging complaints about unfair competition from hotel-operated luxury vehicles. The Cabinet's Select Committee is expected to present its findings and recommendations to the Cabinet next week, with officials emphasizing the government's commitment to improving service quality in the tourism sector.