TAXI COMMISSION IN CHAOS: Director can't answer basic questions at Senate hearing

ST. CROIX. The Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission drew sharp criticism from senators Monday after its executive director struggled to provide straightforward answers about the agency's basic structure and operations.

Executive Director Melissa Smith appeared before the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection to address an Inspector General audit covering fiscal years 2018 through 2022. When pressed on fundamental details, Smith could not specify the number of board members or confirm whether acting chair Sweeney Toussaint was aware she would be testifying.

Sen. Avery Lewis, who chairs the committee, flagged the gaps in knowledge as problematic. Smith acknowledged the commission is navigating "a period of significant transition and rebuilding" and has introduced transaction checklists, ownership verification and lien checks, plus daily reconciliation of funds.

When asked to identify her supervisor, Smith hesitated. "I am hesitant because for me it's not clear," she said, noting that she submits monthly reports to Toussaint. She also disclosed that she hired inspectors in April and May without first informing the board.

The commission manages taxi badges and medallion ownership across the territory. Smith reported 1,923 active medallions with a baseline renewal fee of $130, generating approximately $357,000 this fiscal year. However, Sen. Franklin Johnson pointed out that the previous administration collected $900,000 annually.

Staffing constraints emerged as a recurring problem. Only two of three approved positions are filled, and Smith's request for funding to hire six enforcement officers remains unfunded. The St. Croix office operates with a single employee and closes when that person is unavailable.

Sen. Angel Bolques Jr. raised concerns about 13 medallions valued around $286,000 that had not been accounted for. Smith disputed this characterization, saying the commission is still defining what qualifies as missing and has set no deadline for resolution. An audit finding that only 44 of 70 medallions reviewed matched records prompted further questions about registry accuracy.

Smith also acknowledged that she committed in February to formally notifying the Department of Justice about roughly 20 taxi license cases but had not followed through after seven months, citing limited staff.

Sen. Kenneth Gittens characterized the commission as "a failed entity" and expressed hope that lawmakers would consider abolishing it. He suggested that the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles could absorb the commission's functions.

Smith defended the agency's work, stating it performs well and that abolishment discussions are unjust. She argued she should have been included in any restructuring conversation.