The alleged beating of a cruise ship crew member by a gypsy taxi driver and two of his friends (see Monday paper) is clearly bad news. Those who might reason it’s not so serous because no passenger was involved
should think again.
The crews are not only multiple repeat visitors, but play an important part in advising guests about each port of call. The experience to be shared in this case was obviously a less-than-positive one to say the least.
Unlicensed taxi and bus services continue to be a problem in St. Maarten. This illicit practice of transporting people against payment not only threatens the livelihood of legitimate drivers, but can negatively affect the reputation of the entire destination.
What’s more, a few years ago during the same Heineken Regatta period foreign gangsters in a van posing as taxi brutally robbed and killed various persons in what became known as the Gypsy Murders. These horrific crimes prompted this newspaper to regularly publish a list of bona fide taxi services on page 2 free of charge.
Once again, tourists should be warned to make use only of official taxi services and not to just get into any vehicle. It’s better to call and perhaps have to wait a bit than taking whatever offer is made, because the time supposedly saved could end up costing them dearly.
Some may believe the victim in this case would have been better off giving up the US $20 reportedly requested for the ride from Sucker Garden to the harbour at Pointe Blanche, as the actual fare is probably not that much cheaper anyway. However, if everybody allows themselves to be ripped off in this manner, that certainly won’t discourage those involved from doing so to others.
It has been argued that gypsy drivers provide a valuable product because, for example, buses don’t cover all routes. That may be true, but trying to take unfair advantage of those who fuel the local tourism economy is a whole different story.
