SXMElections.com

MARIGOT--Taxi drivers Anthony Lewis and Augustin Bernard have been recognised by St. Martin Tourism Office for the excellent work they do in welcoming tourists to the island.

The pair received tokens of appreciation from tourism office President Jeanne-Rogers Vanterpool and Director Kate Richardson at a press conference Friday, as taxi association representatives looked on.

It was noted Augustin Bernard, taxi driver since 2001, received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor two years in a row on behalf of his team at Bernard Tours, while numerous positive comments have been posted about Anthony Lewis on TripAdvisor.

“Knowing how to receive tourists is very important, because it is that first impression the tourist gets from the taxi driver that really counts in contributing to a positive experience on the island,” noted Local and Regional Marketing Manager Grégoire Dumel. “You guys have a very important role to play and we thank you for the good work you are doing.”

Lewis was wearing his trade mark blue shirt and tie, noting it was the first uniform he wore when he started driving taxis in 2013.

Secretary General of the French side Hoteliers Association (AHSM) Philippe Thévenet emphasised the taxi driver is the first link in a chain that extends to hotels, restaurants, shops, activities, etc., and the goal is not to have a weak link in the chain.

Vice-President of St. Martin United Taxi Association (SMUTA) Jean-Philippe Richardson commented: “Keep up the good work. As long as you know how to deal with people, have patience, smile and make people happy, they will always come back to your destination. If you can’t do that, then you are in the wrong field.”