It was good to note that Dutch St. Maarten Taxi Association members completed cruise excellence training (see related story) ahead of another high season. The stated 95% turnout in any case suggests a positive broad willingness to learn and get better.
The two-day course was held in collaboration with the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, as proposed by Port St. Maarten management and government representatives. The Canada-based organisation apparently works with training instructors recommended by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).
Each driver received a certificate of completion and stickers for their vehicles. The association said participants gave the training high overall ratings.
Compared with such commitment to improving their skills and service to visitors, it is hard to understand why some taxi and passenger bus permit holders have still not completed the 2026 Confirmation Letter Process by the Ministry of Tourism Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT). As reported in today’s edition, they now have until Wednesday, October 14 at 4:00pm to do so.
This follows publication of the taxi and bus compliance lists on September 30. Those not mentioned must contact the Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA) before the deadline.
After a two-week notification period expires, authorities will conduct a final review of outstanding permits. Operators who fail to respond or regularise their status may be referred for administrative action under applicable legislation.
According to the National Ordinance on Passenger Transport, the minister may temporarily suspend or permanently revoke a permit if it has not been used for a continuous period exceeding six months.
Up to the end of September, approximately 130 passenger bus- and 399 taxi-drivers had been verified and issued 2026 Confirmation Letters. That’s a significant increase from last February, when only a combined 168 out of in total 639 permit holders had completed the process. Of these, respectively 125 and 454 were for taxis, while for buses it regarded 36 out of 138.
It seems obvious that not all active operators have so far finished the current process. Those involved are advised to take action now rather than wait until the problems start.
Perhaps the biggest issue may be the need to provide a Tax Declaration with CRIB number. Rather than being intimidated, drivers doing so for the first time should seek advice from their respective unions.
Continued non-compliance is no viable option.
