The National Taxi Union of Saint Lucia has issued a strong call for the immediate shutdown of Uber operations in Saint Lucia, accusing the ride-hailing company of openly defying a government-issued stop order.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Union said Uber has continued operating on the island despite clear instructions from the relevant authorities to cease all activities until the necessary regulatory approvals are granted. The Union described the continued operations as a direct challenge to national regulatory authority and a threat to both public safety and the livelihoods of licensed taxi operators.
The Union warned that allowing an unregulated foreign company to operate outside Saint Lucia’s legal framework creates an uneven playing field and undermines the rule of law. Licensed taxi operators, it noted, are required to meet strict standards, including insurance coverage, vehicle inspections, licensing fees, and background checks—requirements Uber drivers are allegedly bypassing.
Public Relations Officer David Christopher said the issue goes beyond competition. “This is not merely a dispute about competition; it is about compliance, fairness, and respect for our country’s laws,” Christopher stated. “No company, local or international, should be allowed to operate above the law.”
The Union is urging the Government of Saint Lucia, along with law enforcement and transport regulators, to act decisively by enforcing the stop order and suspending all Uber-related activities until full legal and regulatory compliance is achieved.
According to the Union, failure to take swift action risks setting a dangerous precedent that could weaken regulatory oversight and destabilize the local transport sector, which supports hundreds of families across the island.
While reiterating its openness to dialogue and modernization within the transport industry, the National Taxi Union stressed that any such progress must occur within the framework of the law and through full consultation with local stakeholders.
