Charles Williams (photo by Robert Luckock).
MARIGOT–New mobile apps launched recently on the French side for Smartphones by one entrepreneur show strong potential in providing fast, improved services through new technology for the convenience of the population.
The creator is Charles Williams, an information technology (IT) technician with a degree in computer sciences, and a former technician for UTS.
After a spell of installing Wifi, Internet, TVs, and phones for hotels, villas, and businesses in the Caribbean and in St. Martin, Williams decided to get back to his programming roots and formed his company Easy Paradise.
This led to the creation of three mobile apps; OOBR SXM, which is an on-demand app to call up a taxi, My Nanny SXM is an app to find a nanny and Easy Eats (not yet launched) is an app for food ordering and delivery.
“OOBR was first created before the 2017 hurricanes and I got the idea after noticing taxi drivers having nothing to do, sitting around or playing dominoes while they waited for the next fare, or for a plane to land,” Williams explained. “It occurred to me that they could be making money from locals instead of just waiting for tourists.
“There are often situations, particularly at night, when you need a taxi. Your car has broken down or you’ve had too much to drink and want to get home safely. It’s really difficult to find a taxi, let alone call one. This app solves that very simply.”
Williams stressed OOBR is not a version of the Uber ride service. “We use taxi drivers but Uber uses anybody to be drivers. This app is for our taxi drivers, using their own vehicles. But they must have taxi marked on the vehicle. They can apply to be in our system with taxi license, insurance, valid documents etcetera.
The fares are set in the application and calculated by distance. The client can see the price before he or she accepts to be picked up. This is a real benefit to taxis in the low season when there are less tourists about.”
The idea to create the My Nanny SXM app came about when his wife suggested they would probably need a nanny after the birth of their second baby. The app offers a list of qualified nannies showing their work experience, diplomas and photographs, to browse through before choosing. The app also has equipment for rent such as baby car seat, push chair etcetera.
“We are also collaborating with the Employment Office on the French side, offering jobs for the unemployed,” Williams added. “With my expertise I can create jobs.”
The app Easy Eats lists all the restaurants on the island, French and Dutch side, categorized by type of restaurant or food, from which you can order food directly and have it delivered to your home or business. This app is expected to be fully launched by September 6, 2018.
“With this one we are looking for delivery drivers with scooters and cars and order takers. We’re hoping to have an office open next month in Bellevue for all our applications.”
Williams admits he’s a prolific creator, always working. “I have lots more ideas for apps in mind. Right now, St. Martin is like a garden. Time to grow new ideas. I can create applications for Dutch side companies too, and restaurants, shops. We also do websites.
“Training is another thing I want to do. Kids today are very social media savvy but they don’t know the concept behind making these applications, or making a website, but I can teach them. We have a lot of talent here but sometimes they need a push.”
There are also plans to train drivers to enhance a good rapport with tourists or locals, in addition to being well informed on history and attractions.
Both OOBR and My Nanny SXM apps can be downloaded on the App Store and Google Play. For more information email: info.easyparadise@gmail.com.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/79581-easy-paradise-offering-new-mobile-applications
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