Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Authorised taxi drivers operating from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James, are facing a dismal time, despite the increase in arrivals at the airport over the past few days.
Thousands of passengers are arriving daily but the operators say they are not benefiting financially.
"We are not getting much business right now, although the official winter tourist season has commenced. There seems to be more Jamaicans returning home than visitors," according to Neville King, member of Jamaica Cooperative Automobiles and Limousine Tours (JCAL). "Everybody's relatives are coming to collect them, so we the operators have to stand by. We need more visitors in order to see some business."
Bad business
Other JCAL minibus operators shared similar sentiments. From a list of 44 drivers, only nine were hired yesterday, each earning between US$10 and US$25 for round-town trips.
JUTA tour operators said they, too, were experiencing bad business. A large group of operators were seen converging at the authorised taxi booth hoping for some business.
On the other hand, they also have to contend with 'robot' taxi drivers, who they say frequently shaft them out of business. While The Gleaner was on location earlier this week, a visitor offered a JCAL bus driver $1,000 to transport two persons to Negril - a trip which officially costs US$80 (approximately J$5,000).
Visitors not bothered
Meanwhile, the increased traffic at the airport and long delays passengers faced do not seem to be much of a bother to some.
"It is much better than other times. I travel to Jamaica five times yearly and I find it better now," said Rosalee Morris of Maryland, United States.
Jacqueline Geoff-McNish, Jamaican-born professor of English residing in New York, said the situation was not bad, compared to other countries to which she had travelled.
"This is a cultural immersion. This is Jamaica and you sort of live with it. It is not a big deal," she said.
Frederick Haughton, a Red Cap porter, said business had been going well so far for porters.
"I never expect to see so many Jamaicans returning home. It's good. You can eat 'food' no matter how bad it gets," he said.
