International Trade Minister commends Fortress Marine initiative
Local company to produce high-class luxury boats
By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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| Minister of International Trade Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris |
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MANY yachting fanatics, boatyard owners and trade officials were present at the official opening of Fortress Marine, a boat building company situated in New Guinea.
Douglas Brookes, Manager and co-owner of Fortress Marine, has been building boats since 1973. In 1987, his boat building business, originally called Brookes’ Boats, was renamed Indigo Yachts which thereafter led him to build boats in Trinidad and St. Martin.
“Building boats is what I do; it is but one of the oldest professions. We started here in January with nine employees and I’m currently training them to be professional boat builders.”
Part owner Patrick Ryan, who owns the largest tour operator in Antigua, informed SKNVibes that he is very excited to be in a joint venture with Brookes, as he has had a long history of quality boat production and his work is held in esteem. 
Ryan clearly stated that “the yachting industry is more profitable that the cruise industry”.
He projects that as the tourism sector begins to grow geometrically and catamaran and yacht are in great demand, Fortress Marine would be able to produce more and expand in order to start producing high-class luxury boats.
Minister of International Trade Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris commended the effort and wished the company success in all its endeavours.
He added that because Brookes has been building boats for over 30 years, it is an idea that has been with him for a long time and that the opening represents a passion and a lifelong hobby.
“The quality of your work is now global. This is not just enhancing the tourism sector, but is an opportunity for the private sector to experience growth and ensure development by providing jobs. We are committed to do whatever we can to help,” Dr. Harris stated.
In an informal address, Hon. Richard Skerritt, Minister of State with responsibility for Tourism, praised Brookes for the continued renowned quality of his work which has made its way in almost every Caribbean country, ranging from The Bahamas in the north to Trinidad in the south. ~~Adz:Right~~
Skerritt added that being in the trade for such a long time is another opportunity for Brookes to expand the company. He reassured the attendees that the government is very supportive of those sort of entrepreneurial initiatives and they are looking forward to witnessing the success of the business.
Also present at the official opening were Ambassadors Roslyn Hazelle and Errol Maynard and dockyard owners as well as many boating enthusiasts from Antigua, Barbados, The Bahamas, St. Martin, Grenada and Trinidad.
Senator Skerritt revealed that the 15-acre area of land is now earmarked for marine-related businesses which will be coming on stream in the near future.
