It appears that the issue if the recent increase for boaters in The Bahamas has not ended, even after the Chairman of the New Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has come out and revealed that “the government is deeply concerned about reports of [the] impact of recently increased boat fees on tourism in The Bahamas…”

So, today we have what would seem nothing more than an advocate for the New Day government in Thew Save Exuma Alliance saying that despite concerns over recent increase in fees for boaters in The Bahamas, business in the [Exuma] Cays “is booming”, with operators reporting full occupancies.”

‘No slowdown in Exuma’ – The Nassau Guardian

Excerpt from this article; “The Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) said yesterday that despite concerns over a recent increase in fees for boaters in The Bahamas, businesses in the cays is “booming” with operators reporting full occupancies.

“Despite concerns about stopover visitor and yachting numbers elsewhere, operators of resorts, attractions and excursions in the Central Exuma Cays reported near-record or full occupancy, saying demand for the exciting and sustainable product has never been greater,” a statement from SEA said.

According to SEA, Staniel Cay Yacht Club and Embrace Resort had full occupancies over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Despite worries that increased boating fees would leave marinas empty, SEA said the volume of vessels in the Exuma Cays was so large that boats were seen anchored in areas not typically used.

Operator of Chamberlain Cottages on Staniel Cay, Girisa Chamberlain said they have not experienced the slowdown in boating traffic that the Bahamas Association of Marinas has been sounding the alarm about.

“There were boats every day,” Chamberlain said.

“It was busy, and we even saw boats in places they don’t normally go.”

She added: “People love the area. They love the peacefulness. Visitors don’t come here for overcrowding or city life. They come for the authenticity that still exists here, and they value that.”

Owner of Staniel Cay Yacht Club David Hocher said his establishment was full throughout the holiday season.

“The Exuma Cays offer some of the most reliable and exciting cruising and sustainable tourism experiences anywhere — from beaching and boating to sand-barring and enjoying pristine waters,” Hocher said.

“People don’t come here to shop. They come for the tranquillity and the beauty. That’s what makes this place magical.”

It would appear that we have several things going on here; first I would just like to say that; of course the Fly-fisherman Association would back the government’s decision on cruise ship fees, their guest stay in the guest houses and fly-fishing in monitored more than any other fishing as the guest the guest go with guides.  Also, the fly-fishing industry is heavily funded by the government.  This leads me to my other point, Exuma is reporting a “booming” season while other places like Western Grand Bahama and Harbour Island are reporting empty marinas, the Chairman of the New day Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) can confirm these facts.

So, it appears that as long as Exuma is “booming”, they seem to intimate that as others surfer, they others should be left to suffer just as long as their plate is full and even running over.

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas deserve better than selfish, myopic individuals that could careless about their other countrymen and refuse to take a holistic and more comprehensive view that benefits more than the few.

End