Word from the Ministry of Tourism is that the government of St Vincent & the Grenadines is considering overturning the legislation which bans the importation of personal watercraft (a.k.a. jet-skis, wave riders, etc) into SVG. The Ministry is currently asking stakeholders for input regarding jet-skis in SVG.
8th May, 2013
Dear Sir,
As a means of diversifying the marine tourism product, the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture is presently considering the introduction of jet skis as a watersport activity and also to facilitate in the patrol of the waters throughout the destination.
Although covered under the Power Craft Act, the importation of jet skis is currently prohibited under the Supplies Control Act. The Ministry is cognizant of the importance of collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that all the necessary parameters are established for the smooth and safe operation of this craft.
To this end, the Ministry is inviting your feedback/ recommendations with respect to the introduction of this craft, inclusive of the following:
– Designated beaches
– Speed limit – operational distance from the shore
– Safety Guidelines
Anticipating your valuable contribution as we continue to develop our tourism product.
Over the past several years, there have been numerous reports of damage to yachts and injuries to swimmers, snorkelers, and people on board sailboats. Some of the injuries have required hospitalization. Many of these incidents occur in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, where local owner/operators rent to land tourists and cruise ship passengers who have little understanding of safety on the water. Other reports have come from Trinidad, Grenada and Sint Maarten.
As sailing visitors to SVG waters, we have been asked to provide feedback: would you prefer to see the existing legislation prohibiting jet-skis overturned, or would you prefer to see it remain in place, and please give specific reasons and examples. Please e-mail responses to tourism@gov.vc with the subject line “jet skis for SVG”. If you’d like to copy the Caribbean Compass (compass@vincysurf.com), the Bequia Tourism Association (bequiatourism@vincysurf.com) and the Caribbean Safety and Security Net (safetyandsecuritynet@gmail.com) please feel free to do so.