Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire has insisted that the Government of Saint Lucia did not approve, sanction, or encourage Uber to operate on the island, as public debate intensifies over the ride-hailing company’s recent launch.
Speaking at Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, Hilaire sought to distance the government from Uber’s entry into the local market, which began last week.
“I want to make it very clear that contrary to what you’ve been hearing, reading from various sources, that the government of Saint Lucia has not in any way approved, sanctioned, or encouraged Uber to operate any service in Saint Lucia,” Hilaire said.
Uber’s arrival has sparked widespread discussion across the island, with some residents welcoming the additional transportation option, while others warn that the platform could negatively impact the local taxi industry. Much of the criticism has been directed at the government, which Hilaire said was unfair.
The minister explained that Uber first contacted the government in December, expressing interest in operating in Saint Lucia. At the time, the company described itself as a technology platform facilitating transportation services from point A to point B. Government officials advised Uber that its proposal would need to be reviewed and discussed before any decision could be made.
According to Hilaire, Uber later sent a second letter stating that there was strong interest from local taxi associations and individual drivers. Despite this, the government maintained that broader consultations with stakeholders were required.
“So they were going to move ahead,” Hilaire said. “We again told them that we would want to discuss the matter with the stakeholders and with Uber itself.”
Hilaire said the government was informed last weekend that Uber intended to launch its service the following day, despite being advised not to proceed.
“We indicated to them that we were planning to meet with them to discuss the matter in detail and that they should not proceed,” he said, noting that meetings had already been scheduled with both Uber representatives and the National Taxi Union.
Describing Uber’s move as premature, Hilaire said the company acted before consultations could take place.
“I think Uber launched their service prematurely,” he said. “And I’m not saying prematurely meaning that they would have been given approval. Prematurely from the point of view that we indicated to them that we’d want to discuss their interest to operate in Saint Lucia because they wrote to us.”
Hilaire emphasized that foreign companies must respect national procedures when seeking to operate in Saint Lucia.
“If you say, I want to come to our country to set up a business, and we say to you, ‘well, let’s go through the process,’ you need to respect national processes,” he said. “We’re going to talk to our stakeholders. We’re going to review it, and we’ll have discussions.”
The tourism minister confirmed that meetings with Uber and the National Taxi Union are scheduled for later this week. He said the government is expected to outline its position on the matter following those discussions.
