Gregory Athill and Sir Steadroy Benjamin
The newly elected Chairman of the Public Transport Union (PTU), Gregory Shoy Athill, is today leading a delegation to meet with the Attorney General of Antigua and Barbuda to discuss urgent issues impacting the nation’s transport operators.
The meeting comes just hours after the PTU executive held a critical session on Monday, September 22, to address matters concerning the livelihood of taxi and bus operators across the island.
Representatives from all major transport associations were present, including outgoing PTU Chairman and St. John’s Taxi Association President, Patrick Burnette; President of the Bus Association, Keithroy Black; East Side Taxi Association President, Daniel Baltimore; President of the United Taxi Company at the Airport, Ian Joseph; and executive members of the Quay Taxi Association.
During the meeting, members debated three pressing concerns: the selection of a new PTU Chairman, the negative effects of “C,” “R,” and “A” vehicle plates on the trade, and the rise of ride-share applications that have disrupted the local industry.
In a show of overwhelming support, Gregory Shoy Athill, who also serves as President of the Antigua National Taxi Association (ANTA), was elected as the new PTU Chairman for a one-year term. In his remarks, Athill thanked his predecessor and pledged to strengthen the PTU’s advocacy.
“The PTU stands united in protecting the welfare of all legitimate operators,” Athill stated. “We will also move quickly to sensitize the public about the issues that continue to threaten the sustainability of our members’ livelihoods.”
The PTU emphasized that today’s meeting with the Attorney General is a first step in seeking government intervention and policy support to address the challenges facing the sector.
While I sympathize with taxi drivers, ride-share apps are about convenience and affordability. Instead of fighting them, maybe the PTU should modernize and compete. They like to hug the US dollar. Iz almost like for some of them man nobody must eat
When I come here I will decide who I want to pick me up from and drop me to the airport. Stop being a damn dictator. let people have options
Finally, someone is taking the challenges with ride-share apps seriously. They are crippling local taxi drivers who have been in the trade for decades.
Why always ask government to intervene? Shouldn’t the unions also find solutions within the industry to adapt to changing times?”
It’s good that all major associations came together. Unity is the only way to have a strong voice in negotiations…Sometimes we excell at being against each other and fail at being united
Taxi drivers are a wicked set of people.. When it is tourist season they don’t know locals but yet they want to dictate how locals are transported during the said period.
Guys you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Meetings are good, but action plans are better looking forward to results.
Them guys in taxi business for a long time and they want to jusss dominate the field. Just move and let young people thrive
You know what i notice…in ANtigua and Barbuda and Many other caribbean island there is no balance. Also there is always a fight over nada…Both sides need balance. Regulation is important, but customers also need affordable and reliable service. Hope the Attorney General can find a fair solution