MP Lawrence Scott: ‘Original Concerns Remain’
“Minster Fahy’s smoke and mirrors listening exercise with stakeholders resulted in nothing more than the OBA moving ahead with their plans as they always intended, consequently all of the original concerns remain,” Shadow Minister of Transport Lawrence Scott said, adding that they have “engaged in nothing more than a political slight of hand exercise.”
Minicar Rental Legislation
His comments follow after the announcement that following meetings between Government, taxi entities and other transportation stakeholders, the proposed minicar rental legislation is set to allow for licenced liveries to offer minicars that are no more than 60 inches wide and 115 inches long, with seats limited to two and cc being limited to 150cc.
In addition, the Ministry said that “to assist the industry, we have agreed to permit the importation of second hand vehicles for use as a motor taxi, as long as they comply with the necessary restrictions.”
Lawrence Scott’s Comments
Mr Scott said, “In the case of the Government’s decision to go ahead with the introduction of rental cars which Bermudians clearly demonstrated that they did not support a legislative step of this nature to be taken – nothing has changed.
“However Minster Fahy’s smoke and mirrors listening exercise with stakeholders resulted in nothing more than the OBA moving ahead with their plans as they always intended, consequently all of the original concerns remain.
“I observed publicly then, that the introduction of rental cars would prove risky for our already congested road ways. Let’s not forget that as recently as this past July this island was suffering from a number of road accidents involving visitors. This then raises serious concerns about the wisdom of this proposal.
“In regard to the meeting with stakeholders nothing new has been achieved, ironically, the reported ‘compromise’ proposed by Minister Fahy that taxi drivers will be allowed to import second hand vehicles as public service vehicles, already exists!
“So instead of meaningful consultation and compromise, the Dunkley administration through Minster Michael Fahy has engaged in nothing more than a political slight of hand exercise.
“Finally as far as the general public is concerned, it should not be overlooked that Minister Fahy is introducing yet another competitor for the taxi industry while creating a natural monopoly for a business owner.
“Which would seemingly once again have the desires of an individual trump what’s in the best interest of one of the country’s most important industry. Unfortunately this has become the signature of the Dunkley Administration.”
Rather than launch into a personal attack on Minister Fahy, perhaps MP Scott should read what the BTOA feel about the situation, as reported several stories down:
Bermuda Taxi Owners/Operators Association [BTOA] President Leo Simmons said, “We have formed a good working relationship with Minister Fahy throughout this process.
“We are very pleased with the solutions given to assist the taxi industry thus far and look forward to continued dialogue.
The BTOA say they have a good relationship and they are the ones most impacted. Maybe MP Scott needs to calm down on the political rhetoric.
All they did was give the btoa permission to a law that already exists, this rental car situation is going to hurt the taxis. Like the mini buses did this year. Looks like everyone lining up for that Americas cup money.
Does Mr. Lawrence consider the BTOA’s remarks yesterday as “smoke and mirrors” as well?
He was the one that noted the second hand vehicle importation compromise while also stating his satisfaction with the process thus far?
But then again this is the same MP who stated berkeley was a well run capital project and that the OBA are financial terrorists.
He was also the one that was vehemently opposed to the taxi fare increase a few years back.
Taxi industry is happy, government is happy and tourist will be happy. Only people not happy is the PLP. But that’s no wonder, the PLP should be unhappy with all the good things going on for Bermuda right now. This is kinda like when the government legalized alcohol on Sundays and the PLP made it seems like the sky was falling. They just don’t like progress!!
Just let it go. Government listened and consulted with stakeholders.
They came to an agreement, as such should be in a fair world.
They’re dammed if they do and dammed if they don’t. Stop with the political football and move on to more pressing matters.
In other news, the sky is falling…
This is what is called “gilding the lily” MP Scott. A compromise has been reached so there is no need for you to comment.
As the saying goes – It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.
This week alone there has been a rash of locals involved in collisions. By this logic Bermudians shouldn’t be allowed to drive anything.
As a tours I would much rather rent a mini car than a scooter…
Having rented a scooter for the last week cuz my bike is broke… a red tag is like a red flag for locals to overtake…no matter where you maybe or how fat you are going… I would hate to be a tourest on a rented bike…
Can there be any doubt at all that this shadow minister knows so little about the common good that he is attempting to derail a done deal for the benefit of all?
As a young man who used to be involved in the tourism/transportation business, can you put your hand on your heart and say you really believe this is a bad idea for Bermuda?
If you are saying things you don’t really believe, just to score political points, you are doing Bermuda a grave dis-service.
He thinks that these are too much for our already congested roads. Perhaps our roads are congested because your former party leaders allowed effin SUVs on the effin island just so they could drive around in quasi escalades to fit their image..smh
He was included in the discussion and agreed with it now he has to change his story, politics got in the way.
It is now even harder to take the PLP seriously, having decided to release this absurd statement. Firstly, there really isn’t much difference in what they are proposing now, to what they first proposed. They did add in the proviso that the vehicles will only allowed to be 2 seaters, but other than that, not much else. What the PLP seems to miss is that the OBA had productive meeting with all stakeholders, and ultimately got them over to what they were doing to begin with… and to the PLP this a failure.
“Finally as far as the general public is concerned, it should not be overlooked that Minister Fahy is introducing yet another competitor for the taxi industry while creating a natural monopoly for a business owner.
With the full support of the Taxi Owners Assocation!
why would you think this was going to be a monopoly?
How foolish are some people? Do you think that all of the accidents that occur are natives when you have more foreigners here? Min. Scott is not just talking to hear himself. Before this law is passed, please at least do a study of it. Eager to pass laws when clearly the accident rate is soaring. These cars are much faster than livery cycles, bulkier and certainly can create more damage and injuries, especially when traveling in the wrong direction. Stop trying to turn this island into something that it’s not!!! Flying cars!!! STOP THE MADNESS!!!