(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS–FRIDAY, May 7th, 2010)  The Minimum Standards for Taxi Operators in Nevis Ordinance, 2010 was introduced to the House of Assembly at Hamilton House, Charlestown during its first sitting for 2010 on Thursday.

The Bill was tabled by Premier of Nevis and Minister of Tourism, Hon. Joseph Parry and when passed in the Assembly, will make provision for prescribed areas for the operation of taxis and tour buses.

According to John Hanley, Policy and Regulations Officer at the Ministry of Tourism, one of the most important provisions of this legislation is that all taxi operators in Nevis will be required to hold a valid taxi permit in order to operate in a prescribed taxi area.

Mr. Hanley outlined the main facets of The Minimum Standards for Taxi Operators in Nevis Ordinance, 2010 which would address the main concerns of all stake-holders relating to the taxi sub-sector; Encourage taxi operators to work together and to co-operate with other tourism industry stakeholders; Define and enforce a code of ethics to regulate the behavior of taxi operators; Improve the levels of discipline, transparency and professionalism among taxi operators in Nevis; Outline vehicle minimum standards for taxi operation in Nevis; Improve the image of the taxi sub-sector and, by extension, the overall Nevis tourism product; Enhance the customer satisfaction levels of visitors to our island; Provide an avenue through which issues and complaints could be effectively and quickly addressed and Empower taxi associations.

The Bill will be debated in the House and hopefully ratified in a subsequent sitting of the Assembly in time for the start of the 2010/2011 tourism season.

The proposed Ordinance and a comprehensive set of regulations to accompany it were drafted after extensive consultations were held with both taxi associations on the island, as well as a number of other tourism stakeholders.