Angella Colley, Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture, the Gambia Tourism Authority officials, ASSET and the Tourism Security Unit officials, on Tuesday met Tourist Taxi Drivers Association, at Ali Baba’s Restaurant in Senegambia, to discuss about the problems affecting them, ahead of the tourist season.

Speaking at the ceremony, Fafanding Jadama, President of the Tourist Taxi Drivers Association complained of 24 hours service of the tour operators, adding that they should also spare them the chance to transport some of the tourists to various sites in the country.

Ebrima Jaiteh, Secretary-General of the association, also complained of the menace of ‘bumspters’, noting that they disturb the drivers a lot in the area.  He appealed to the Tourism Security Unit and GTA to solve this problem.

Responding to their complaints, Dawda Nyang of ASSET, assured them that insurance will be cheaper for those who join ASSET, adding that they will discuss with Insurance Companies.

Lt Ousman Bah, Officer in charge of the Tourism Security Unit, said drastic changes will occur in this year’s tourist season.

Kaliba Senghore, GTA Director-General, said they want to make this year’s season as the best .

He advised the taxi drivers to join ASSET in order to improve and maintain their vehicle.

For her part, Angella Colley, SoS for Tourism and Culture, called for attitudinal change and proper dress code for tourists taxi drivers.  She advised them to respect their job and unite together.

SoS Colley also advised the drivers association to burry the hatchet and reorganise themselves to elect a new executive committee.

She finally advised them to abide by the MoU and take their vehicles for testing and maintenance.