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LEGISLATURE HOSTS TAXICAB COMMISSION TOWNHALL ON ST. THOMAS - Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Close About Us History Functions and Structure FY 2026 Budget Honor Roll Rules of the 36th Legislative Youth Advisory Council Application Careers Archives Legislative Archives Tours × St. Thomas Senators  St. John Senators  St.Croix Senators  Districts All Senators St. Croix St. Thomas - St. John Senator at Large × Committees Committee of the Whole Budget, Appropriation and Finance Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning Economic Development and Agriculture Education and Workforce Development Government Operations, Veteran Affairs and Consumer Protection Health, Hospitals and Human Services Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications Rules and Judiciary Session Folder × No event found! Calendars Bi-Weekly Senate Calendar Session Agenda × Dialog window Dialog window General Senators Committees Media Calendars Contact News | Press Releases | Senator Avery L Lewis LEGISLATURE HOSTS TAXICAB COMMISSION TOWNHALL ON ST. THOMAS Published: Oct 15, 2025 Search for: ST. THOMAS, VI —  Members of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands met in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall to host a Taxi Town Hall meeting concerning the operation of taxis on the island of St. Thomas. Meetings concerning the status of the industry had been held on St. Croix on October 1st and on St. John on October 14th. The town hall assembled government officials, taxi operators, and stake holders who were committed to improving operations in the territory.  The Virgin Islands Port Authority, in collaboration with the Royal Caribbean International will be implementing customer service and training programs for taxi drivers.  The goal of the training is expected to improve service standards and help drivers meet visitor expectations for professionalism, courteously, and reliability.  Major infrastructure improvements are expected, with a proposed third cruise pier, dredging, and development expected at Crown Bay on St. Thomas and pier reconstruction and storm panel replacements for the island of St. Croix. No direct projects are currently planned for St. John.  Senator Avery Lewis called the taxi drivers “our transportation extraordinaries” stating they were ambassadors of the islands, as they were the first welcoming smile visitors meet and the last friendly conversation they have before they leave.  Senate President Milton E. Potter voiced the importance of the meeting, stating that without the taxi industry, the tourism industry would fold.  Senate Vice President Kenneth L. Gittens voiced the need for the taxi industry to improve payment options, as well as encouraging drivers to inform visitors on local customs. Additionally, local taxi operators as well as stakeholders voiced the need to improve safety regulations.  Cruise ship calls in the territory are expected to rise to 761 in Fiscal Year 2026. Passenger traffic is up on all islands, which rose to $1.8 Million in 2025, up from 1.7 million in FY 2023.  Increased ship arrivals can translate to more direct income opportunities for taxi drivers.  Senators present at the town hall included Avery L. Lewis, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Dwayne M. Degraff, Ray Fonseca, Kenneth L. Gittens, Carla J. Joseph, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.  Novelle E. Francis, Jr., and Milton E. Potter. The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing the community with accurate information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Visit  legvi.org  for more information.                                                                          ### Press Contact: Jamal Potter Email: jpotter@legvi.org Find More Search for: Categories News Observances Press Releases Special Events Related Content COMMITTEE REVIEWS FY 2027 EXECUTIVE BUDGET REQUESTS FOR GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, AND BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES July 23, 2026 ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Members of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., met in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room to receive testimony on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budgets for... Read More COMMITTEE RECEIVES UPDATES FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT CONCERNING SEWAGE HEALTH RISKS, CANCER CARE IN THE TERRITORY                                   July 22, 2026 ST. THOMAS, VI – The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, led by Senator Ray Fonseca, met at the Earle B. 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