A sharp leadership split has roiled the country’s taxi transportation sector this week, as David “Shakes” Christopher, the longtime public relations officer for the National Taxi Union (NTU) — the nation’s leading umbrella body for taxi operators — has stepped down from his post with immediate effect.
Christopher announced his departure in an official press statement issued on Tuesday, May 26, making clear that his exit stems from a total loss of confidence in NTU president Terry Valcin. His resignation is the latest eruption of long-simmering internal tension within the union that stretches back years.
The current friction traces back to 2022, when Lucien Joseph, Valcin’s predecessor as NTU president, stepped down after union members passed a vote of no confidence in his leadership. Following Joseph’s exit, Joseph raised public questions about the legitimacy of Valcin’s assumption of the presidency, accusations that Valcin addressed more than a year ago. The union’s most recent Annual General Meeting and Conference of Delegates, held in March 2025, did little to resolve the underlying divides, which ultimately pushed Christopher to step down.
In his statement, Christopher emphasized that his choice to resign followed extensive deliberation, rather than a spontaneous decision. He outlined deep-seated concerns about the current trajectory and internal management practices of the organization, arguing that core institutional values — including transparency, accountability, internal unity, and fair representation for rank-and-file members — have eroded significantly under Valcin’s tenure. That erosion, Christopher said, made continuing in his leadership role untenable.
“This decision has not been made lightly,” Christopher reiterated. “However, I can no longer continue to serve within the organisation due to my complete lack of confidence in the leadership and direction of President Terry Valcin.”
He added that the nation’s hardworking taxi drivers and operators deserve far stronger leadership and effective advocacy than they are currently receiving, particularly amid an era of widespread global economic and sectoral uncertainty. “This is a period where unity, vision, advocacy, networking, and strong leadership are critically important for the survival and advancement of taxi operators and their families. Unfortunately, the current leadership is way below par,” he said.
Christopher closed his statement by expressing gratitude to the union members and industry stakeholders he collaborated with throughout his tenure, and shared a hopeful note that the organization will eventually shift toward a more cohesive, positive future that prioritizes the needs of its working members.