TAXI PROTESTS IN ARUBA: TAXI’S GONE WILD:

A Brewing Storm

In February I, Lincoln Gomez, published a column with the title Ride-Sharing Services In Aruba? and I addressed the fact that by law all taxi’s are required to have an official meter installed to charge for rides but the fact is that this requirement has been long ignored. Last week, Aruba’s transportation sector witnessed an uproar that could easily be described as “Taxi Gone Wild.” The chaos began when the Minister of Transport, in a bold move, issued two ministerial decrees that sent shockwaves through the taxi community. These decrees were not just bureaucratic formalities but actions poised to reshape the taxi industry and inevitably ignite a fiery response. 

The Minister’s Decrees: Shaking the Hornet’s Nest

The first decree declared that the Minister would no longer sign off on the transfer of taxi permits between family members. This decision was rooted in the belief that taxi permits were being treated as commodities, with owners selling them off as a retirement plan, effectively blocking new applicants from getting permits. With the number of taxi permits capped, these transfers inflated the value of permits, making them inaccessible to aspiring drivers. The Minister’s decree was a direct strike at this practice, attempting to open up the industry to more Arubans. Download the full Ministerial Decree on Taxi Permits here.

The second decree increased the maximum number of taxi passengers from five to seven. This seemingly minor adjustment was also meant to be anchored into law eventually. While this might seem like a simple logistical change, it was enough to spark outrage among the taxi drivers, who saw both decrees as a direct attack on their livelihood. Read the Ministerial Decree on Passenger Capacity here.

The Response: Blocking Roads and Breaching Public Order

The taxi drivers, refusing to take these changes lying down, decided to take matters into their hands – quite literally. They launched a series of protests that escalated quickly from peaceful to downright disruptive. In a show of force, taxi drivers surrounded the government building, blocking traffic and causing mayhem. They didn’t stop there; they took their protest to the airport, blocking the roundabout and preventing buses, tourists, and airport staff from accessing the premises.

The police had to intervene to clear the way, but they did so with restraint, avoiding any violent confrontations. Yet, the disruption continued for two days, with taxi drivers even targeting the Palm Beach area, a hub for tourists, and clogging up the roads there. Their actions were loud and clear, but so was their message: they were not going to let these decrees slide without a fight and were ready to use every form of political leverage they could to get the minister of Transport and the coalition to back down, withdraw the new policy plans and make sure they keep all they seems to think that they are entitled to.

Understanding the Legal Framework: What Laws Are in Play?

To grasp the full picture, it’s essential to understand the legal backdrop against which these events are unfolding. The regulation of taxi permits in Aruba is governed by the Landsverordening Personenvervoer (Public Transport Ordinance), which sets strict guidelines on how permits are issued, transferred, and revoked. It is also archaic and should have been updated decades ago. According to Article 15 of this ordinance, permits can only be transferred to a family member under specific circumstances, such as the death or incapacitation of the permit holder. This transfer is at the discretion of the Minister, who is now seeking to limit these transfers to prevent the creation of a closed market where permits are bought and sold like commodities.

The Minister’s second decree draws from Article 26 of the same ordinance, which historically limited the number of passengers a taxi could carry to five, excluding the driver. Recognizing the need for larger taxis, especially for tourist groups, the Minister has proposed increasing this limit to seven, a change that will also be solidified in the law. Both decrees aim to make the taxi industry more accessible and fair while addressing current market demands.

The Legal Perspective: What’s the Right Way to Protest?

It’s important to remember that the Minister of Transport is within his legal rights to issue these decrees. As the authority in charge, he can make decisions that shape policy, and if he has the backing of Parliament, he can push these changes into law. The taxi drivers, like any other citizens, have the right to oppose these decisions, but there’s a proper way to do so – through legal channels.

If they believe these decrees are unjust, the courts are available to challenge them. Blocking roads and disrupting public order, however, is not the way to effect change. It’s one thing to protest; it’s another to hold an entire community hostage, especially when tourism – a key pillar of Aruba’s economy – is at stake. 

The Minister Holds His Ground

Despite the uproar, the Minister didn’t budge. The taxi drivers demanded that he retract the decrees, but he remained steadfast, refusing to be swayed by what could be considered an attempt at blackmail. His stance is reminiscent of President Ronald Reagan’s famous confrontation with striking air traffic controllers in 1981. Reagan didn’t hesitate to fire over 11,000 controllers who defied federal law, sending a clear message that no group could undermine government authority.

Similarly, our Minister is sending a strong signal that he won’t be intimidated into reversing decisions that he believes are in the best interest of the island. Eventually, his actions may just be what the industry needs to create a more equitable system for all Arubans.

The Strikes Fizzle Out

Interestingly, after two days of intense protests, the taxi drivers seem to have run out of steam – literally and figuratively. Perhaps the reality hit hard: while they were busy protesting, they weren’t making any money. And for many drivers, their daily income is crucial to maintaining their lifestyle. It appears that financial necessity may have done what political and police persuasion could not – bring an end to the disruptive strikes, at least for now.

The Bigger Picture: What Comes Next?

So, what happens next? The Minister has scheduled a dialogue with the taxi drivers for August 16. While it’s clear that the taxi drivers are unhappy, it’s also clear that the Minister is not backing down. This is an opportunity for both sides to come to the table and find a solution that doesn’t involve roadblocks and disruptions.

As for the decrees themselves, they represent a significant shift in policy that could open up the taxi industry to more competition and ensure that permits are not being monopolized. The move to increase passenger limits might also reflect a changing tourism landscape, where larger groups are more common.

A Forced Double Play?

It’s clear that other ministers are walking a fine line, displaying ambivalent behavior—publicly supporting the taxis’ “cause” in what appears to be a populist move, while offering only lukewarm backing to their colleague, the Minister of Transport. This political juggling act raises an important question: when the proposed changes to taxi laws reach Parliament in a few months, will the Minister have the solid support of his fellow ministers and, more critically, the backing of the coalition’s Parliament members? In a scenario reminiscent of a baseball game, the Minister might find himself facing a forced double play—where the very politicians who now offer tentative support could withdraw it at the crucial moment, leading to a legislative failure. Such a setback could not only derail the Minister’s policy changes but also damage his popularity with taxi drivers and their extended voter base. This political gamble will be one to watch closely.

Bread

While some taxis may accuse me of “playing with their bread” by supporting changes, they should  understand that advocating for a fairer and more efficient transportation system is not about taking away livelihoods but about ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for everyone involved. Moreover, I firmly stand against any disruptions of public order as a means of protest and bullying tactics – there are better ways to voice concerns that do not jeopardize the well-being of the community. Especially since many of the community fee that the taxi’s are not aiming at providing public transport to the community including our young and our elders but only care to serve themselves by going after the “tourist dollars” in peak hours and then go home for the rest of the time, totally undisturbed of the needs of the community.

Conclusion: A Stand for the Rule of Law

In the end, this situation underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law. The taxi drivers have every right to voice their concerns, but they must do so through the proper channels. Disrupting public order and causing chaos on the streets is not only illegal but counterproductive.

The Minister’s firm stance should be commended. In a political climate where it’s often easier to yield to pressure, he chose to stand by his decisions and seek a lawful resolution. However, the real test will come when the proposed changes to taxi laws reach Parliament. The Minister may find himself in a precarious position, akin to a forced double play in baseball—where the same political players who currently offer lukewarm support might suddenly withdraw it, leading to a legislative failure. Such an outcome could not only derail the Minister’s policy changes but also tarnish his popularity with the taxi drivers and their broader voter base.

Whether you agree with the decrees or not, one thing is clear: Aruba’s government must be guided by principles, not by those who shout the loudest or block the most roads. The coming months will reveal whether the Minister can navigate this political minefield and successfully implement his vision for a fairer, more transparent transportation system.

Until next time, remember to keep your protests peaceful and your actions legal. And don’t forget to visit www.lincolngomez.com for more updates and insights on the latest issues facing Aruba.