PHILIPSBURG: The recent internal audit report on compliance with taxi license legislation has cast a glaring spotlight on the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT) under the leadership of former Minister of TEATT Arthur Lambriex.
The current Minister of TEATT, Grisha Heyliger Marten, presented the findings of these reports on Wednesday morning at the Council of Ministers briefing.
The findings reveal a disturbing pattern of mismanagement, procedural chaos, and the systematic bypassing of established norms—all of which have eroded public trust, undermined government efficiency, and compromised the integrity of the licensing process.
Minister Heyliger-Marten's role in this damning report cannot be overstated. The report highlights severe lapses in communication, both within the Ministry and across its leadership structure. Key decisions—including public announcements about license-related changes—were made unilaterally by the former Minister, sidelining core management figures such as the Secretary-General (SG) and the Head of the Department of Economic Licenses (DEL). Shockingly, these critical announcements were made while pivotal officials were off island, leaving them entirely uninformed.
This blatant disregard for proper consultation and collaboration not only violated basic principles of governance but also sent a clear message of disregard for protocol. The absence of internal coordination led to chaos, as procedures were communicated to stakeholders without proper vetting or input from the responsible departments. Such actions indicate a leadership style that prioritizes expediency and unilateral decision-making over transparency and accountability.
One of the most egregious issues raised in the report is the bypassing of established norms and processes in the issuance of taxi licenses. Licenses were drafted without review or advice from the relevant departments, with approvals granted directly by the then Minister. By sidelining the Department Head and SG, who are integral to ensuring compliance and consistency, former Minister Lambriex effectively dismantled the checks and balances that are crucial for integrity in governance.
The lack of proper processing procedures for Public Transportation (PT) licenses, exacerbated by years of neglect following a 2014 moratorium, further aggravates the problem. Instead of addressing these systemic deficiencies, the Ministry allowed the disorder to persist, further jeopardizing the legitimacy of the licensing system. The consequences of this neglect are severe, fostering inefficiency, creating confusion, and wasting government resources.
The implications of this report go far beyond administrative shortcomings. By circumventing policies and procedures, the former has not only compromised the integrity of the licensing process but also weakened public confidence in the government's ability to manage critical sectors responsibly. The capricious approach to announcing and implementing policy changes, without prior consultation or proper preparation, fosters uncertainty among stakeholders and damages the Ministry's reputation.
Furthermore, the report shines light on the misuse of discretionary authority, raising concerns about possible abuse of power. The recommendation to transfer sensitive matters to another Ministry for impartial oversight illustrates the depth of the mistrust created by these actions. Such measures, although potentially effective, also highlight a troubling reality: leadership failures have reached a point where fundamental structural changes are being proposed to curb ministerial overreach.
The former Minister as head of TEATT has raised serious questions about the leadership and functionality of the Ministry. The internal audit’s findings underscore the urgent need for accountability and reform. While steps to centralize a digital registry for PT licenses have been initiated, they are insufficient without addressing the root causes of the issues highlighted in the report.
The Ministry must take decisive action to rebuild trust, including implementing robust policies to limit discretionary power and ensure adherence to established procedures. The proposed measures to protect civil servants from unwarranted ministerial influence are a step in the right direction. Still, they must be backed by a cultural shift within the Ministry that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and professionalism.
The findings of the TEATT internal audit report are a harsh indictment of the former Minister’s leadership. The lack of communication, disregard for proper procedures, and the circumvention of established norms are not mere administrative oversights—they represent a failure of governance that has far-reaching consequences. For the Ministry, and indeed for the country, the time for excuses is over. What is required now is bold and transparent leadership to rectify these glaring deficiencies and restore faith in the system. Anything less would be a disservice to the public and a betrayal of the principles of good governance.
Click here to view the Report by SOAB on the issuance of the Taxis and Buses Licenses in 2023.
