BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – BUSINESSES specialised in water sports and others that provide similar amenities for their guests would now be able to import jet skis to enhance their profession, following a recent announcement that a ban on the importation of the water sport craft has been lifted.
This ban has been in place for about 15 years and was initiated after an accident at sea involving a jet ski, which left a victim with a head injury caused by the propeller of the watercraft.
This announcement was made early last week following discussion at the level of Cabinet on Monday, August 9. The ban, according to a post-Cabinet briefing, was removed as the last 15 years have seen a change in the propulsion technology, using safer jet propulsions rather than propeller blades. It is expected that the decision will see an expansion in the services of businesses that offer water sports.
“The lifting of the ban is likely to create new opportunities for water sport operators who claim that the demand for services in those areas has been growing over the years. This then can only add to the development of the tourism product resulting in increased intake for the local tourism industry,” Minister of Education and Information Hon. Nigel Carty said in giving a brief of Cabinet’s meeting.
This announcement comes as good news to local operators, as the green light to use and import jet skis will certainly boost business at this time of economic lows.
Speaking to SKNVibes, part-owner of St. Kitts Water Safaris Lewis Richardson said his company would certainly benefit from the lift of the ban and it would now be able to add new and exciting services to locals and visitors alike.
“This is one of the most featured attractions for tourists when they visit. On a daily basis, so many tourists come and ask for the jet skis. We really appreciate what the government has done...
“This will certainly make St. Kitts a more preferred destination for tourists. Many of them live so far from the beach and they see jet skis and want to experience it when they come to the Caribbean. Now, they will surely have a great time!” Richardson said.
The young entrepreneur however admitted that there were a number of initial challenges in providing a full safety plan, but with the modifications made by manufacturers to the water sport craft, all is fun and safe with the jet skis.
Though the ban has been removed, new guidelines on how and where jet skis are to be used have been created and approved by the Cabinet, so as to ensure that the use of the sport craft remains safe for those who use them and for those who frequent the beaches where they are authorised to be employed.
