Taxi Cab Commission’s Attorney Hire Reveals Some Bigger Dysfunctions
The Virgin Islands Taxi Cab Commission (VITCC) last appeared before the 34th Legislature’s Committee’s on Government Operations and Consumer Protections (GOCP) on August 6, 2021, just 24 days before replacing its executive director.
2022-04-02 19:34:24 - VI News Journalist
During its update to a key legislative committee almost seven months later, the agency cited the hiring of an attorney to expedite legal counsel amongst its major accomplishments since that last meeting.
According to testimony from Loretta Lloyd, Chairperson of the Board of the VITCC, the agency “agreed to enter into a contract for the legal services of Attorney Atiim Abraham to serve a period of two years.” Under the direction of the Board, the attorney’s duties will include drafting by-laws for the Board and standard operating procedures for its enforcement officers. Lawmakers naturally wondered what the agency had done up until that point.
“What have they been utilizing before the hiring of this attorney?” asked Senator Alma Francis Heyliger.
As per VITCC Chairperson Lloyd:
“We have been utilizing the Attorney General's Office for any legal ramifications. And it came to a time now when we have to move on from them because there are things sitting there that we have requested and we have not gotten a response. So we decided that we will hire the attorney.”
The reasonable response raised further reciprocal questions. Seemingly appreciative of the response, Sen. Francis Heyliger hoped to better understand how the VITCC had governed its operations prior to the hiring of its own attorney.
“Has there been any bylaws previously that you were using? As to why you have decided to either implement or update these bylaws to the attorney?” she asked in her follow up.
“No there have not,” said VITCC Chairperson Lloyd.
A moment of silence lingered in the air of the Senate chamber before Sen. Francis Heyliger asked the obvious:
“So you guys were just winging it?” Sen. Francis Heyliger asked with a chuckle. “I have a very shocked look on my face. I’m trying to understand what’s happening.”
Ms. Lloyd cited the termination of its former executive director as a factor.
“We have a lot of stuff we need to do and I recognize it,” said Chairperson Lloyd. “So we plan to move forward with that.”
In response, Sen. Francis Heyliger asked in regards to what standard operating agreements the VITCC had abided by:
“In regards to the standard operating agreements, what were you utilizing?” asked Sen. Francis Heyliger. “So this is going to be the first time that you’re developing some that will be followed?”
“I want to say no,” said the VITCC Chairperson.
With no officially recognized Standard Operating Procedures or officially recognized policies, the deficiencies in the VITCC’s operations awkwardly permeated the Committee floor through Sen. Francis Heyliger’s line of questioning.
Myrna George, Secretary of the Board interjected and stated that the VITCC adhered to Title Three, (Chapter 16) Section 274 of the Virgin Islands Code for legal sufficiency and any its documents.
Title 3 of the VI Code covers the executive branch under the Office of the Governor. Chapter 16 pertains to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs. Section 274 of that Chapter covers the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission, which was rewritten in 2007 and states that the VITCC shall: “Establish standards, conditions, and requirements of taxicab service.”
And now the VITCC, an agency responsible for over 3,000 for-hire automobile drivers in a Territory largely dependent on tourism will begin its efforts to fulfill a legal mandate that was re-enacted 15 years prior.