The Ministry of Works and Transport has placed in the public domain for comments from all stakeholders and concerned citizens "Proposed draft regulations for establishing a regulatory framework for the efficient and safe operation for private hired vehicles in Trinidad and Tobago." These proposals are designed to make legal the use of private registered vehicles for the carrying of passengers for hire or reward.
Emanating from the announcement of these proposals, an association has been formed for the registration of the current law-breakers in anticipation of the legalising of their illegal activity. It is surprising to note that the association's activities are also in the public domain, with an office in Port-of-Spain and comments in the local media by its authorised representative.
A check on the activities of the association has indicated the following:
• It is at present registering individuals who now possess a valid taxi driver's permit.
• It is registering individuals for the use of specific vehicles, when these individuals are not the registered owners of the vehicles specified.
• It is registering individuals for the use of vehicles when the units specified are not roadworthy.
• It is selling insurance when a check with the insurance regulators has revealed that the association is not registered as an agent or broker to transact insurance business in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Act and, in addition, the authorised representative of the association is not registered as a salesman, agent or broker to transact insurance business.
While we complain about the increase in crime in this country, we should recognise that lawlessness breeds lawlessness.
Bertrand H Doyle
Chartered insurance practitioner