Draft legislation to regulate St Martin/St Maarten ‘party boats’ nears completion
The government is nearing completion of draft legislation designed to regulate the operation of St Martin/St Maarten “party boats” in… The post Draft legislation to regulate St Martin/St Maarten ‘party boats’ nears completion appeared first on Anguilla Focus | News.
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The government is nearing completion of draft legislation designed to regulate the operation of St Martin/St Maarten “party boats” in Anguilla’s waters.
The move follows mounting concerns from coastal tourism businesses over the impact of the vessels on their operations and guests.
Members of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association (AHTA) met with Premier Cora Richardson Hodge and her Cabinet on 16 September to discuss the matter.
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Also in attendance were representatives from the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority and the Customs Department, along with a legislative drafter.
During the meeting, AHTA CEO Cherecia Lewis said the issues being raised by members extend beyond noise pollution.
“We are hearing concerns about the safety and wellbeing of guests, the potential economic impact on coastal properties, environmental considerations and the overall experience being provided to visitors,” she said.
“It’s important that we take a proactive and comprehensive approach to addressing these matters before they escalate further and have a more significant impact on our tourism product and the businesses that depend on it.”
Serena Connor, parliamentary counsel at Attorney General’s Chambers, provided members with an overview of the legislation being developed to address the issue.
Attendees were then given an opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions.
In a press release on 17 September, the AHTA said it welcomed the opportunity for direct dialogue between its members, the government and the relevant agencies.
It added that continued collaboration will be essential to achieving a solution that protects the interests of residents, visitors, tourism businesses and Anguilla’s marine environment.
During a government press conference on 21 September, the premier described the meeting as “very fruitful”.
“Coming out of that, we were able to to identify that we do have draft legislation that we’re looking at in terms of the Cruising Permit Act, as well as amendments to the customs regulations,” she said.
Richardson Hodge added that the feedback from the AHTA will be incorporated and the draft legislation will then be taken to the Executive Council before going to public consultation.
“We value the the boats that come into Anguilla. We are of the view that it has to be done in a more orderly way than in which it has been done before,” she said.
“At the same time, while we are welcoming various boats, we are also preserving our business sector, the restaurateurs etc that are occupying those areas.”
She said she hopes the legislation will be passed before the start of the new tourism season.
The post Draft legislation to regulate St Martin/St Maarten ‘party boats’ nears completion appeared first on Anguilla Focus | News.
