From the shores of St. Croix to the winding hills of St. Thomas and the lush trails of St. John, newly certified taxi and tour operators are buckled in and ready to drive the territory’s tourism forward.
Students across the territory earned certificates Thursday night through the Taxi and Tour Operator Certification Program, a joint effort by the V.I. Taxicab Commission, the V.I. Tourism Deparment and the University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning. Completion of the program is now required for anyone seeking a taxi operator’s license in the territory.
St. Thomas turned out the largest class, with 97 graduates. St. Croix added 31, and St. John contributed 22, showing that the drive to professionalize the industry is alive across all three islands.
The curriculum covers far more ground than most people might expect. Students study hospitality and customer service, V.I. history and culture, personal and destination branding, road safety, emergency preparedness, ADA compliance and digital payment systems. The goal is to send graduates out with the skills to do more than transport passengers from one point to another.
To earn a certificate, students must deliver a capstone presentation and pass a comprehensive final exam. The presentation gives students a chance to put their knowledge to practical use, whether that means walking through local history, handling a customer interaction or explaining what sets the Virgin Islands apart as a destination. The final exam covers all subject areas taught throughout the course, and students must meet the program’s requirements to receive their certification.
V.I. Taxicab Commission Executive Director Melissa Smith said the program reflects what the territory expects from its taxi and tour operators.
“Today’s graduation represents an important investment in the future of the Virgin Islands tourism industry,” Smith said. “Our taxi drivers are often the first and last people visitors interact with during their stay, so ensuring they are professionally trained and certified strengthens the overall visitor experience.”
Smith said certified drivers do more than move people around. They share history, culture and local knowledge, and their professionalism shapes whether a visitor leaves with a good impression of the territory.
“Every interaction creates an opportunity to leave a positive impression of the islands,” she said. “These drivers help shape how visitors perceive the Virgin Islands and often influence whether they choose to return.”
Smith encouraged anyone thinking about enrolling to take the opportunity seriously. “This is about becoming a professional representative of the Virgin Islands,” she said.
Michele L. Weichman, the program’s territorial coordinator, said the training is designed to do more than check a box.
“This program is about preparing taxi and tour operators to be knowledgeable ambassadors for the Virgin Islands,” Weichman said. “Every interaction they have with a visitor helps shape that person’s impression of the islands, and this training gives them the tools to provide safe, professional and memorable experiences.”
UVI CELL Director Dr. Suzanne Darrow Magras said the university is proud to count the graduates among its alumni.
“We welcome the Taxi and Tour Operator certificate graduates to the UVI family,” Darrow Magras said. “They have demonstrated proven skills in hospitality, tourism and passenger safety, and UVI CELL will continue to support them as entrepreneurs and in whatever educational pursuits come next.”
For many students, the program offered more than a license. It gave them a clearer sense of what the job really means.
Graduate Mohammad Mohammad said he signed up to better understand the industry and the responsibilities that come with it. “Now that I have completed the program, my goal is to provide reliable service, continue learning and help represent the Virgin Islands in a positive way for both residents and visitors,” he said.
Graduate Jeree Estrill said a love of people and place brought her to the program. “I enrolled because I wanted to showcase the beauty, culture and history of St. Thomas,” Estrill said. “My goal now is to help visitors create lasting memories here and to proudly share the culture and hospitality of the Virgin Islands with every guest.”
Smith said she expects the program to keep growing, and she has no doubt about what these graduates will do with what they have learned.
“On behalf of the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission, I congratulate all of the graduates,” Smith said. “We look forward to seeing them serve with professionalism, integrity and pride as they help showcase the very best of the Virgin Islands to the world.”
For more information about the Taxi and Tour Operator Certification Program, contact the V.I. Taxicab Commission.
