00:00On to the topics in St. Lucia, the government orders Uber to cease operations and demands compliance with regulatory requirements.
00:07Our correspondent Crystal Hoyt tells us more.
00:11St. Lucia's government says ride-sharing company Uber is operating without proper authorization
00:17and has issued two formal letters demanding the company cease operations.
00:22The dispute has triggered strong reactions from local taxi operators and tourism officials.
00:28At a government press briefing, Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire outlined three requirements Uber has not satisfied.
00:35Obtaining a trade license, registering with the Inland Revenue Department, and certification under the Tourism Development Act.
00:43And we indicated to them that in our view, they were operating illegally in St. Lucia.
00:48They had not met the requirements to operate in St. Lucia.
00:52Despite the warnings, Uber continues to offer services across the island.
00:56The government says the taxi sector remains critical to St. Lucia's tourism-driven economy and must be protected.
01:04The taxi sector as well for us is a strategic sector.
01:08Our tourism industry depends very heavily on the taxi sector as well, the movement of tourists around the island.
01:15Officials say even if Uber meets licensing requirements,
01:18stateholder consultations must take place before any approval is granted.
01:23At this point, we're waiting for a follow-up meeting.
01:26And so far, as far as I have heard, they continue to offer their services in St. Lucia.
01:32The government says enforcement options remain under consideration as discussions continue.
01:38The situation places St. Lucia at the center of a broader regional debate
01:42about balancing innovation with protection of local industries.
01:46For St. Lucia Hoyt, Palasur, Frishton, Barbados.
Comments