ST.JOHN'S Antigua, March 28th, 2012 -- President of the Antigua and Barbuda Yacht Workers Association (A.B.Y.W.A) said his organization is ready to accept the improved security, which, he emphasized is absolutely necessary in the light of the continued threats toward the livelihood of registered members, by illegitimate workers.
On March 26th, a team of officials led by Minister of National Security & Labour, Sen. the Hon. Dr. Errol Cort and comprised Member of Parliament for St. Paul Hon. Elston “Namba” Adams, the Chief of Defence Staff Col. Trevor Thomas; Chief Immigration Officer Lt. Col. Ivor Walker; Labour Commissioner Hesketh Williams; Commissioner of Police, Vere Browne met with the President of the Antigua & Barbuda Yacht Workers Association Stephen Samuel, and his team executive officers.
The gathering at the Copper & Lumber in the Nelsons Dockyard was held shortly after 3:30 p.m. to discuss measures to clamp down on the apparent breach of security and the free reign at which illegal workers enters the marina docks despite the effect of an ID System for registered workers, among other security issues.
The Minister of National Security endorsed the issuance of Identification Cards to members of the Association and urged stakeholders present to ensure the system is fully implemented.
“We are enthused by the swift action of the Minister and the stakeholders in his ministry of National Security to address the challenges of security faced by the ABYWA registered members, we consider the yachting sector extremely delicate and critical to the livelihood of our community and by extension the economy of Antigua & Barbuda,” said Samuel.
Samuel noted that he was also pleased by the effort of other stakeholders in the yachting industry to join the meeting to weigh in on this important development.
Also represented were the Antigua & Barbuda Maritime Association (ABMA), National Parks Authority, the Guardian Security Limited and Special Security Services Limited, the Falmouth and English Harbour Marinas.
Samuel added further that, “I am optimistic that the stakeholders especially the Marinas and security officers in the English/Falmouth Harbour area are sensitive to the challenges of the sector and what is at stake. The ABYWA is anticipating that these recommendations are implemented immediately.”
The Antigua & Barbuda Yacht Workers Association (ABYWA) was founded on February 14, 2009, and has gleaned approximately 150 professionals, to date.
It is also a registered body under the Antigua & Barbuda Marine Trades Association.
“Within, this framework collaboratively we continue to guarantee quality services, consistent standards and security for the vessels on which our members conduct their functions, “Samuel said, adding that the ABYWA has an ongoing training and capacity building programme for its members.
Other interim measures that were reinforced during the meeting include the continuous patrols of security officers and recommendation for the 24-hours opening of the Nelson’s Dockyard Police Station.
Legislation to enforce stricter security to include emerging problems in the yachting sector was also mulled.
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