National Taxi Association Celebrates National Day 2013!
As part of the Labour Movement’s National Day Celebrations, the National Taxi Association (NTA) organised an outdoor ceremonial event, “Cabby Fly Flag” - at Stadium Car Park today. The event gathered 300 taxi drivers, representatives from the Land Transport Authority and taxi operators, as well as members from the NTUC Central Committee including President Diana Chia and Secretary-General Lim Swee Say.
Together with taxi partners and supported by the Labour Movement, NTA prepared 20,000 mini Singapore flags to be distributed to taxi drivers, so that they can “Fly the Singapore Flag” on their cabs. An additional 30,000 flags will also be distributed to union members.
President of the NTA Mr Gerald Chan said, “This is the first time NTA celebrates National Day with the “Cabby Fly Flag” programme. Most of our members would be working during National Day and what better way for us to show our commitment to Singapore by proudly displaying the Singapore Flags on our vehicles during the month of August!”
Cabbies Come Together to Celebrate the Nation’s Birthday
The nation’s birthday calls for all Singaporeans to come together to celebrate the independence of Singapore on the public holiday. However, most taxi drivers do not stop work, but continue to ply the roads to provide essential transport service to Singaporeans.
Cabbies who attended the event were excited that they could participate in the joyous event. One of them, Mr Lim Thian Boo, age 68 said, “I participated in the first National Day Parade (NDP) in 1968 as the first batch of National Service enlistees at City Hall. Over the years, I have also participated in other NDP through Comfort Taxi contingent. As I ferry passengers to NDP and drive past Marina Bay Float area, it always bring back the good memories of my own participation and camaraderie with my fellow Singaporeans. Many of whom are still my long time old friends”.
“I always remember fondly the National Day Parade that I participated as a Police Cadet in School. Even though it was like decades ago, I can vividly remember the joy and fun in practicing the precision in our “marching” and pledging our loyalty to Singapore. My own 3-generational family will also go down to NTUC Centre on National Day, to an event organised by NTA to view the National Day Parade and soak in the atmosphere”, said Mr Johnny Hoe, a cab driver for 30 years.
“Post A Cabby Flying the Flag” Photo Competition
In order to make the occasion more meaningful for the taxi drivers, NTA also launched a “Post A Cabby Flying the Flag” Photo Competition. Members of the public can submit interesting photographs reflecting the lives of taxi drivers and their ways of celebrating Singapore’s 48th birthday.
Photo entries can be submitted online via http://www.nta.org.sg/upload-your-photo between 1 August and 23 August 2013 by 12 noon. 48 winners will be shortlisted, and each of them will take home $200 worth of FairPrice vouchers each. An award ceremony will be held on 31 August 2013 at Downtown East for the 48 winners.
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