The Government of Saint Lucia has moved to firmly dispel public speculation surrounding the operations of ride-hailing service Uber, making it clear that no approval, sanction or encouragement has been granted for the company to operate in the country.
Minister for Commerce and Investment Hon Dr Ernest Hilaire, addressed growing concerns on the matter, stating unequivocally that reports suggesting government approval are false.
“Contrary to what you’ve been hearing or reading from various sources, the Government of Saint Lucia has not, in any way, approved, sanctioned or encouraged Uber to operate any service in Saint Lucia,” Minister Hilaire said.
According to the Minister, Uber first made formal contact with the government in December, expressing interest in establishing a service on the island. The company described itself as a technology platform offering transportation services to move passengers from one point to another. Government officials responded by advising Uber that its proposal would be reviewed and that discussions would be required before any decision could be taken.
The Minister explained that Uber later indicated it had received significant interest locally, particularly from taxi associations and individual drivers, and signalled its intention to move ahead. However, government authorities again cautioned the company that consultations with key stakeholders were necessary before any such move.
“Last weekend, we received notice from Uber indicating that they were launching their service the following day,” Hilaire revealed. “We indicated to them clearly that we were planning to meet with them to discuss the matter in detail and that they should not proceed.”
Meetings have since been scheduled with Uber and with the National Taxi Union, as the government seeks to fully examine the implications of any new transportation platform entering the local market.
Dr Hilaire said the government expects to provide a clearer update on its position following those discussions.
He stressed that while Saint Lucia continues to modernize and regulate its transportation sector, any changes must follow established national processes and involve full stakeholder engagement.
“If you say you want to come to a country to set up a business, and we tell you that we need to consult stakeholders, review the matter and have discussions, that process must be respected,” he said. “From that perspective, Uber launched their service prematurely.”
Hilaire also pointed out that Saint Lucia already has locally developed ride-hailing platforms in operation, noting that those stakeholders will also be consulted before any definitive position is adopted.
“We already have two taxi apps operating in Saint Lucia. All of these stakeholders will have to be part of the discussion before the government adopts any position,” he added.
The Minister reiterated that no final determination has been made regarding Uber’s future operations on the island, and emphasized that any decision will be guided by regulation, fairness and the protection of existing stakeholders.
“We are dealing with a new reality that we have to respond to,” Hilaire said. “Once deliberations are complete, the government will outline its position clearly, along with the technical and regulatory details associated with any such service.”
For now, the government maintains that Uber has not been granted permission to operate in Saint Lucia, and that consultations remain ongoing.
