The new president of the Bermuda Taxi Association hopes to forge closer links with Government.

Gilbert Trott was voted in as the replacement for Michael Ray on Monday night, and will spend two years at the helm. The organisation was formed in 2005 to promote the interests of cabbies across the Island.

Mr. Trott, 54, from Pembroke, said he was "elated" at winning the presidency. He has worked full time as a taxi owner and driver with BTA dispatching for ten years.

"I want to solidify our position as an organised body, and become recognised by Government as a formal association in our capacity as sole representative for the entire industry," he said yesterday.

He also encouraged everyone on the Island holding a taxi license to join the association, regardless of which of the three dispatching companies they work for.

"I'm looking to embrace the entire industry and get rid of the separation that comes from affiliation. This is a stigma I want to get rid of. I want everyone to be part of the whole association so every need of the entire industry can be addressed by us and to us," he said.

Mr. Trott did not wish to comment in detail about the controversial law change that made it mandatory for all cabs to have Global Positioning Systems from August 6 until he has met the executive committee tomorrow.

Minister of Tourism and Transport Ewart Brown said he would welcome closer links between Government and the association.

"That sounds very promising. We have had an excellent relationship with Mr. Trott's predecessor and expect it to continue. If he wants to expand it into a formal relationship, we are all ears," he said.

Dr. Brown added that although Government recognises the association as the lead taxi organisation on the Island, legal moves would have to be made in order to formalise the relationship and determine obligations between the parties.