Former Director of Tourism Gary Phillips has been named as a facilitator between Government and taxi drivers.

Premier Alex Scott last night issued a release announcing that Mr. Phillips ?has agreed to act as facilitator and work with parties on both sides of the recent taxi dispute to bring about an amicable resolution?.

The move has prompted taxi operators to meet and draw up a presentation to make to Mr. Phillips. Last night Mr. Phillips said he had been approached by Government and agreed that he was willing to help. He said that so far a meeting had been arranged between himself and Transport and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown for next week but that no other meetings had been planned.

In the release, the Premier said: ?Taxi owner/operators have stated that they wished to move away from an adversarial position and Mr. Phillips has agreed to assist Government in resolving any outstanding issues.?

The release also says that Dr. Brown will work ?in concert with Mr. Phillips to progress this initiative?.

The Premier said he felt ?the agreement of both parties to move forward together signifies a very positive step in the relationship?.

Last night Lee Tucker spokesperson for the taxi owners said he was aware of Mr. Phillips ?pending appointment? and ?had no objection to it.?

?We are very eager to get our position known to an independent facilitator,? he said.

He said that within ten days taxi owners would meet to decide how to present their side to Mr. Phillips. Admitting that a meeting with Mr. Phillips could be as much as a month away, Mr. Tucker explained that the taxi operators needed to first consult with their lawyer.

Mr. Tucker also took the opportunity to blame the dispatch services for the problems facing the industry, saying it was their failure to communicate effectively.

?I hope this gets us to move our dispatch service forward,? he said. ?We should not be held responsible for the decline in the quality of service.?

Meanwhile, Dr. Brown is scheduled to hold a Press conference at 3 p.m. today ?to discuss taxi initiatives?.