Jamaica councillor wants mandatory health insurance for taxi operators

Councillor Fenley Douglas is calling on the Jamaican government to establish a mandatory health insurance program for the nation's route taxi operators. Douglas, representing the Waterford Division in St. Catherine, contends that the public transportation sector imposes a substantial financial strain on the country's public healthcare system.

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This special health insurance should be managed through the various taxi associations, which should pay a part of the premium.

Speaking at a St. Catherine Municipal Corporation meeting, Douglas urged the government to promptly review and implement a dedicated health insurance plan for public transport operators. He suggested that this insurance should be managed through existing taxi associations, with operators contributing to the premiums. Douglas also proposed extending this coverage to other public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators and their families.

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currently there are approximately 28,000 route taxi operators in Jamaica.

Douglas highlighted the scale of the sector, estimating there are around 28,000 route taxi operators in Jamaica. He argued that when their dependents are included, the impact on public health services becomes considerable. He drew a parallel to the health insurance provided to Jamaican athletes and entertainers, suggesting taxi operators deserve similar social protection.

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So the time has come for proper health insurance to be initiated for these taxi operators and their families, just like what is extended to our sportsmen and women as well as our entertainers.

Egeton Newman, President of the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS), welcomed the proposal. His organization is already working to establish health insurance and pension benefits for public transport workers. Newman expressed that government support would be beneficial, though he indicated the government currently shows little interest. He stated TODSS is actively pursuing these benefits independently but would welcome any government assistance, suggesting a $200 million fund could be impactful. Discussions with an insurance provider are ongoing but not yet finalized.

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If the government would come on board and help with this process, it would be welcomed by the sector, but from what I heard, the government has no interest in providing this service.