Taxi drivers have again come under fire from Government, which claims they provide poor service at the L.F. Wade International Airport on public holidays.

On Friday, Minister of Works and Engineering Derrick Burgess told the House of Assembly that it was "unacceptable" for taxi services to be below par during holidays.

"I vividly recall this year's Cup Match; at the time, I served as Acting Minister of Tourism and Transport and spent much of the holiday weekend dealing with issues of taxi shortages at the airport," he said.

He added that a majority of the Island's taxi workers were "hardworking, professional and diligent".

However, he said: "There are concerns, there are legitimate concerns. Much too often we hear stories relating to the lack of availability of taxis at the airport, particularly on holidays.

"And much too often we hear complaints about the shortages of taxis at the airport even at non-holiday times. Clearly, a problem remains. Equally clear is the need for this situation to be improved."

The Island has 600 taxis, and Mr. Burgess said that while they may wish to enjoy public holidays it was important taxi drivers realised the special nature of their service.

He noted that as the Island works to increase the number of hotels and improve the quality of those already in existence it was important tourists got first class taxi service at the airport.

He added that hotel workers and others in hospitality, as well as health care professionals and Police, often work holidays and said it was no different than accountants working longer hours at the end of a financial year.

"The Government calls on all taxi operators to recognise that the availability of service at the airport should be seen in a similar context," he said.

"It must be seen as essential in order to meet the needs of a first-class tourism destination and an Island that holds its head high as a world leader in the realm of international business.

"The Government will not be satisfied until there is consistent first class taxi service at L. F. Wade International Airport and throughout the Island — both holiday and non-holiday periods."

Recently Government Senator Marc Bean also lambasted taxi drivers, complaining that visitors were stuck at the airport for more than an hour on Remembrance Day due to a shortage of taxis.

"I must once again express the Government's extreme displeasure with the calibre of service being provided at this most critical port of entry," he said at the time.

l What do you think? Should taxi drivers be expected to work holidays? E-mail news@royalgazette.bm