Every day as a driver for Williams Taxis & Tours brings new challenges and adventures, but some days stand out as truly unforgettable. Last Wednesday was one of those days. It was a perfect storm of early morning airport transfers, unexpected flight delays, and the vibrant Festival of Lights in Jamestown—all wrapped into one incredibly busy day. By the time the clock struck midnight, my colleague and I had clocked in some of the longest shifts we’ve ever worked. Here’s a closer look at the dedication, effort, and pride that go into keeping St Helena moving.

An Early Start: Airport Transfers Begin

The alarm rang at 5:00 AM, and within an hour, we were on the road. At Williams Taxis & Tours, we pride ourselves on our punctuality and professionalism, and with two flights scheduled for the day, there was no time to waste. My colleague and I both started at 6:00 AM, and we immediately got to work transferring guests from their accommodation in Jamestown to St Helena Airport.

The first passengers were flying to Johannesburg, South Africa. Despite the early hour, the mood was lively as the travelers chatted about their plans. Some were heading home, others were starting exciting new journeys, and all were grateful to have a reliable ride to get them to the airport on time. As we helped load their bags into the car, getting them to their flight safely and promptly was our top priority.

Once the first group was dropped off, we made my way back to Mantis St Helena Hotel for the second run of the morning. This time, I picked up guests heading to the scheduled 11:30 AM Check out from Mantis St Helena, for the flight to Cape Town. These transfers are a core part of our service, and we’ve fine-tuned the process to make it as smooth as possible. With their luggage loaded and their spirits high, we set off for the airport.

Delays in the Sky and Safe Landings

The second leg of the day was where things got interesting. While i stayed at the airport to meet incoming passengers, my colleague returned to Jamestown to prepare for the next round of duties. The Cape Town flight was delayed, and it became clear that it wasn’t going to be a straightforward landing.

By early afternoon, those at St Helena Airport watched the plane was circling the skies above St Helena, unable to land due to challenging conditions. It took four attempts before the pilot could safely touch down on the fifth try. The relief among the passengers was palpable as they disembarked. Some were first-time visitors to St Helena, while others were returning to familiar shores, but all were visibly tired from the unexpected delays.

I transport transported the arriving guest to Mantis St Helena Hotel, ensuring they had a comfortable ride after their stressful journey. By the time they arrived at the hotel around 3:00 PM, I could tell they were eager to settle in and start enjoying the unique charm of St Helena.

5 Attempts

Airlink Flight took 4 attempts and on the 5th it landed, safely.

The Daily Routine: Home-to-Duty Service

After the airport transfers were complete, it was time to shift gears to our regular home-to-duty service. This part of the day is the backbone of our operations, helping locals get to and from work with ease.

At 4:00 PM, We began our usual routes, picking up regular passengers from their workplaces and dropping them off at their district bus stops. There’s something comforting about this routine—seeing familiar faces, sharing quick conversations, and knowing that our service is an integral part of their day-to-day lives.

By 5:00 PM, one of us had wrapped up for the day, while I prepared for the evening’s main event: the Festival of Lights in Jamestown. With only an hour to rest, I quickly grabbed a bite to eat and mentally geared up for what I knew would be a long and lively night.

Jamestown Comes Alive: The Festival of Lights

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Jamestown transformed into a magical wonderland of lights and color. The Festival of Lights is one of the most anticipated events of the year, drawing locals and visitors alike to the heart of St Helena. Strings of lights adorned the streets, glowing lanterns illuminated the night, and the air buzzed with excitement and holiday cheer.

Our taxi minibus and car were in high demand as families, couples, and groups of friends made their way into town for the festivities. Starting in the early evening, I ferried passengers to Jamestown, each ride filled with lively chatter about the parade, the decorations, and the joy of the holiday season.

As the parade wound its way through the streets, I parked briefly to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. Watching the glowing floats, cheerful performers, and delighted onlookers reminded me why I love this community. Events like these bring everyone together.

Late-Night Drives: Wrapping Up the Day

Once the parade ended and the crowds began to disperse, the real work started again. For the next several hours, I shuttled passengers out of Jamestown, ensuring everyone got home safely after the festivities.

By the time I completed my final fare and parked the taxi, it was close to midnight. In total, my colleague and I had clocked in an impressive number of hours—11 for one of us and a grueling 18-hour marathon for the other. Despite the exhaustion, we couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment.

Reflections on the Journey

At Williams Taxis & Tours, days like these remind us why we do what we do. Yes, the hours can be long, and the work can be demanding, but the rewards are immeasurable. Whether it’s ensuring a smooth airport transfer, helping someone enjoy a local event, or simply providing a reliable ride home, every journey is an opportunity to make someone’s day a little better.

As I finally laid my head down to rest that night, I couldn’t help but think about the connections we’d made, the challenges we’d overcome, and the memories we’d helped create. It’s not just about driving—it’s about being part of a community and contributing to the unique rhythm of life on St Helena.

Whether it’s delayed flights, the Festival of Lights, or late nights on the road, we’ll always go the extra mile for our passengers. That’s the Williams Taxis & Tours way.

From Delayed Flights to Festival Nights: A Day in the Life at Williams Taxis & Tours