SKN developing a Yachting Policy

(ZIZ)– St Kitts and Nevis is looking to capitalize on the many benefits that come with the establishment of a yachting industry.

Minister of tourism, Hon Richard Skerritt pointed out in his 2014 budget presentation that they will be looking to harness the potential of yachting tourism in St Kitts and Nevis.

On Tuesday, stakeholders from a number of different agencies came together to try and finalize a Draft National Yachting Policy.

Director of Maritime Affairs, McClean Hobson says they sought some outside help to draft the policy.

“The government of St Kitts And Nevis has engaged a consultant to work on the development of a yachting policy. And this yachting policy is expected to create the roadmap for the development of a yachting sector in St Kitts and Nevis,” he said.

He says they strongly believe this sector holds significant benefits for locals.

“We here in St Kitts have recognized the tremendous potential of the yachting sector in St Kitts and Nevis. Yachting sector in my mind is an opportunity to create employment for people in St Kitts and Nevis and if we are going to create a sustainable yachting sector we must go about it the right way,” he said.

Anthony Abourizk of the St Kitts Yachting Services outlined some of the ways this policy will help promote yachting in the federation.

“This policy will enact laws, dictate ways and issues…so it’s actually quite important that this policy be put in place because it will be for generations to come; it’s not just for the short term, it’s for the long term as well. You have to understand that without a policy you would have no way to move forward so this policy is extremely important into developing yachting tourism,” he said.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry Of Tourism, Maritime Affairs Department, Customs and Excise Department and representatives of the private sector.