National

Taxi Drivers: We Feel Targeted

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Taxi drivers are expressing concern, complaining police officers are targeting them and preventing them from getting business.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 8, 2024

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Taxi drivers are expressing concern, complaining police officers are targeting them and preventing them from getting business.

The area of concern is at the intersection of Charlotte Street and Woodes Rodgers Wharf

Taxi driver Garnet Hannah explAins the crux of the issue.

“The concern we have down here as public service operators, taxi drivers is that the police are coming down here and telling us that we have to go back and forth, that we cannot be stationary in order to solicit our customers and question them on what needs to be done as it relates to taking tours and having taxis,” he said.

Hanna alleges taxi drivers have been detained and released because of this incident.

The area is directly opposite the exit of the Nassau Cruise Port where tourists looking to explore Nassau exit to the bustle of downtown Nassau.

But Hanna insists this isn’t the first time police officers sought to prevent them from getting business.

“First, they had barricades here they wanted you to stand behind the barricades,” Hanna said.

“Now all of a sudden they move the barricades last week they moved the barricades and now nobody is allowed to stay stationary here, they want you to move back and forward, how can you speak to people if you have to move back and forward and they want the guests to move and back and forward with you.”

Taxi drivers aren’t the only ones in the area. ATV renters s are also at that intersection looking to gain clients, but they feel only taxi drivers are told to leave the area.

Hannah stressed that it’s difficult to make a living under the circumstances.

But law enforcement officers tell us they are being lenient with the taxi drivers as law mandates they are to remain within ten feet of their taxis when hustling for guests.

Sources close to the matter tell our news, the area can sometimes turn into a big hangout spot with men drinking, smoking and littering in the area.

But this taxi driver says the issue of littering can be solved.

“It’s everyone, but that could be rectified, clean it up,” Quincy Hudson said. “

“That ain’t no big problem, clean it up, but don’t say take us completely away from here where we cant make a living for our family because of that, you looking for things. I’m not saying it’s wrong, issa straight shooter.”

Out: 17.46.15 straight shooter