One of the founders of the firm set to bring in a controversial cab tracking system has resigned over threats and intimidation.

Junior Fostine DeSilva has left the Bermuda Central Dispatching Corporation (BCDC) which wants to bring in the global positioning system (GPS).

Mr. DeSilva, who was Legislative Affairs spokesman for the BCDC, told The Royal Gazette: "I am no longer involved with the project.

"It's not that I don't believe the system does what it set out to. I still support it.

"It's my firm belief that it is good for Bermuda and the taxi industry.

"It appears I have become a focal point. I thought in the best interests of my family and myself I would withdraw.

"A lot of things have happened, threats, some unpleasant things have gone on." He declined to elaborate but said he had invested a lot of time and money in the project.

"I am making a hell of a sacrifice by withdrawing and walking away at this point. It will cost me," said Mr. DeSilva. It is in the best interests of the project itself. No one else is taking a stand in turning the taxi industry around."

He said resigned on January 8. "I had been thinking about it for some time," said Mr. DeSilva.

Gladstone Brown, who sits on the BCDC committee, said: "This is the first I have heard of it. I would not like to comment about it."

Lee Tucker, spokesman for the Bermuda Taxi Owners Association (BTOA), who are opposed to GPS said he knew nothing about threats.

He said: "I have never heard anything like that coming from any sources. I am sorry to hear that. Although he and I have differences of opinion I still regard him as a good person. Anyone who gives threats against anyone is completely wrong. I am definitely not aware about it."

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said: "I think its unfortunate. I thought he was an important voice for modernisation of the taxi business.

"Hopefully someone else will step up and fill his shoes.

"I hope he will not allow himself to be intimidated and he will continue to express his ideas about the taxi industry. Those who intimidated him might consider spending some of that time coming up with ideas.

"It's seven or eight months since the big hullabaloo over GPS but I have not received the magic proposals from Lee Tucker or Mr. Flood which were promised."

He said Government planned to reintroduce legislation to bring in GPS after it was rejected by the Senate last year.

Mr. Tucker admitted there had been a delay in coming up with counter proposals. He said his team wanted a central computerised dispatch system for all taxi firms.

He said: "At least it should be 24 hours a day on call."

At the moment some firms didn't find it economically viable to operate 24 hours a day, said Mr. Tucker.

"Sandys taxi service for instance might only get three calls between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m."