The Government of Saint Lucia has formally declared that ride-hailing company Uber is operating illegally on the island and has instructed the company to suspend its services until it complies fully with local laws.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Heritage Dr Ernest Hilaire, confirmed that the government’s position was communicated to Uber in writing, following meetings held last week with key stakeholders, including the National Taxi Union and the National Council on Public Transportation.
According to Dr Hilaire, Uber has failed to meet several fundamental legal requirements necessary to operate in Saint Lucia.
“They needed to, in our view, obtain a trade license before they can operate in Saint Lucia. Two, that they needed to register the Inland Revenue Department for purposes of payment of taxes owed to the government by operating a business in Saint Lucia. And thirdly, they were required to be certified under the Tourism Development Act,” the minister explained.
He said these requirements were clearly outlined during consultations and communicated to all parties involved.
“We clearly indicated to the Taxi Union and all the interested parties that was the government of Saint Lucia’s position, and that we were willing to talk to Uber about their interest in Saint Lucia,” Dr Hilaire stated.
The tourism minister stressed that stakeholder engagement is a critical component of the regulatory process, particularly given Uber’s status as a foreign-owned company.Â
“We’ll be guided by stakeholders because part of the regulatory process is the input of stakeholders,” he said. “For example, the trade license, they’re not a business of Saint Lucian origin, they’re not owned by Saint Lucian, they’re an external business place. Before we can give them a trade license, we need to engage with our local stakeholders.”
Dr Hilaire noted, however, that stakeholder input would inform but not dictate government decisions.
“So, you don’t just give a trade license; you have to engage your local stakeholders, and we’ll be guided by the sentiments of the local stakeholders. Of course, it’s a discussion of the local stakeholders. So not because a stakeholder says, no, don’t give them a trade license, we automatically tell them no,” he added.
The government has reiterated its willingness to continue discussions with Uber once the company demonstrates a clear intention to comply with Saint Lucia’s legal and regulatory framework. Until then, Uber has been instructed to cease operations on the island.