Another 'big' charter company fined by HM Customs
Still not finding it prudent to disclose the names of the defaulting companies, Commissioner of Customs Mr Wade Smith yesterday June 22, 2016 disclosed that the most recent investigation has resulted in a “big charter company” being fined $25, 000.
Mr Smith explained that though the company is much larger than the one previously fined, this one had fewer vessels that were non-compliant with the laws that regulate the industry. "The company had less boats that were in default, that is why they were fined only $25,000. The other company, which is smaller, had a lot more boats that were in breach of the laws and regulations," Mr Smith told Virgin Islands News Online.
Charter company hit with $95K fine
Less than a week ago HM Customs slapped a charter company with a $95,000 fine.
Mr Smith previously said that over the past six months there have been a number of charter agencies and persons acting as agents for charter companies that were put on the firing line and charged, having been found defaulting in their compliances also.
“They have been giving mis-information to their clients and they have been penalised as well. So we want to make sure that the charter agents and agencies working on behalf of these charter companies ensure that they are familiar with the charter laws and make sure that they don’t mislead their clients.”
Mr Smith had added that, via the operations, it has been discovered that there are a number of agents giving clients misinformation of the customs and other laws of the VI. “The Commercial Recreational Vessels License (CRVL) act, the cruising permit act and we have also found that they have been circumventing the laws of other agencies including Immigration, Labour and National Parks,” said Mr Smith.
Smith continues to stress the important role of the Immigration Department in this operation. He said also authorities will not rest until all the charter companies, captains, agencies and agents in the industry operate on a level playing field.
"We are doing our best to ensure that there is a level playing field for all stakeholders," said the HM Customs boss.
Meanwhile, it was also previously disclosed that some charter companies are guilty of hiring ‘skippers’ without work permits, while some have been dodging taxes while posing as sailing schools.
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