The government has suspended the first ride-sharing licence in the province after being informed that the owner is facing sexual assault charges against young people.
VOCM News contacted government about the charges against Yosief Tesfamicael yesterday.
The 43-year-old, originally from the African country of Eritrea, is facing five counts against minors, including sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, unlawfully making sexually explicit material available to a child and exposing his genitals.
The offences are alleged to have occurred between August of 2013 and May of 2021.
He’s pleaded not guilty with trial set for October in Supreme Court.
It was only last Friday that government trumpeted the awarding of the first ride-sharing licence to the man and his company, Redsea Riding, saying the service would be available throughout the metro region in the coming months.
In a statement to VOCM News, Service NL said the application was evaluated, met the requirements, and the licence was issued. But they say “new information” brought to the department’s attention on Friday has caused them to review the approval and suspend the licence until further notice.
Opposition Reaction
PC MHA Joedy Wall
The Opposition says it was shocked by the news.
Joedy Wall, the critic for Digital Government and Service NL, says it is “outrageous” that someone accused of sexual assault can get a ride sharing licence from government.
He wants to know what due diligence occurred to allow that to happen.
He wants to know if government will ensure a criminal records and vulnerable sector check to protect passengers in the ride-sharing industry.
