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Jet skis would kill VI’s tranquil atmosphere – Resident

One resident stated that the peaceful days will be shattered by jet skis. Photo: jetskime.com
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – A plethora of jets skis riding the waves would be the death of peaceful days Virgin Islands residents are accustomed to, one concerned resident opined on “Speak Out BVI”, a radio programme, on May 1, 2012.

The caller told the host Douglas Wheatley that he saw a letter in one of the Territory’s newspapers “some weeks ago” that suggested more jet skis should be allowed.

“I have been living here for the past 25 years...the quiet peaceful bays that we have on Tortola, if jet skis are allowed it would be a disaster. It is awful, the noise, when you have many of these things going all day long the beauty and the tranquillity that we enjoy here in the Territory would be so badly disrupted,” the caller said.

In addition to that, he pointed out that tourists are attracted to the serenity of the beaches and the quiet countryside. In light of this, the caller reiterated, “It would be stirring up a hornet’s nest. The noise would be awful.”

“If I had a chance to vote, I would vote against jet skis,” he further stated.

This is not the first time that residents have voiced their concerns about having more jet skis in the VI.

At least one company in Cane Garden Bay offers the service.

25 Responses to “Jet skis would kill VI’s tranquil atmosphere – Resident”

  • -------------- (03/05/2012, 13:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    not a dawn ting wrong with having jet skis we need all we can to mek some $$$$$
    • rodent (06/05/2012, 09:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well you might make some money but the hotels and tourist trade will lose in the long run when people stop coming
  • Crank Shaft (03/05/2012, 14:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Another one want to keep here as their retirement home and bird sanctuary. leave it as is becuase they want it to, don't worry with the locals and their plans for economic progress. ya'll won't turn us into St Thomas and St Croix where they have to leave their homes and seek minimum wage jobs in stores and fast food chains, no sah. what is the difference between jet skis and the little speed boats we already have? nonsense.
  • Really! (03/05/2012, 14:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Soon you all going want to ban flies from flying around. Everything is a problem. We can enjoy many things on these islands once there is legislation governing their use and enforcement of laws. All we do here is criticise every single idea but still complain that there is nothing to do. In the mean time no new jobs are being created for the growing population, youths are becoming more and more idle and guess what that = to?......a higher crime rate! Think about it!
  • Wherehelive? (03/05/2012, 14:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tranquil? He must live on a quiet mountain top all alone. Must be nice.
    • Not2Sure (04/05/2012, 09:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Where is this tranquil BVI with loud boats racing up and down the channel, and loud music playing in town till all hours of the night at weekends?
  • Industry Expertise (03/05/2012, 14:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They can be a common ground, there is no reason why they cant co-exist. Theses people wants to see progress and want the place to remain the same. Every country has them and they can be in designated ares go there if you want to see or hear them.
  • hmmmm (03/05/2012, 14:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    hmmm this caller dnt make sense at all i guess we ga ban da scooters n sum a da cars round here den caz dey make more noise dan a jet ski
  • so so (03/05/2012, 14:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    please killed what?
  • Time for a Change (03/05/2012, 14:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is ridiculous, with the 100's of square miles of water why can't we expand what can be done. There's too much of a limit on what can be done. Jet ski's can be operated safely. Currently jetski's are operated hundred of feet from the bay, and are not allowed to speed when returning to shore. It is almost that people have so little faith in eachother, that instead of trust us to be responsible just make it illegal. In addition, jetski's that are made now are much quieter and safe to operate.
  • Growht is a good thing (03/05/2012, 15:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Jet skis should be allowed with the right measures put in place to address the concerns of all that maybe affected. I Would also be very surprise if new signed skies arent very quiet. Do some reaseach im pretty sure this is a none issue, with laws governing time, place and how these skis will be used.
  • Guest (03/05/2012, 15:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So the jetskis using air/water propulsion are worse than mini powerboats running 250 merc outboat engines that have props, expecially for the areas we people swim and snorkel? SMDH The logic and level of thinking or lack thereof in this place never ceases to amaze me. I guarantee that caller was white, they like to come to countries with their intrepretations of what it should be and locals must always forgo their lifestyles and options as a society to fit a small demographic who are not indicative of the target tourist market.
  • mother hen (03/05/2012, 15:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's get the party started we need the jet skis
  • Wake up (03/05/2012, 15:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's have an honest conversation about Jet Ski/Wave Runners. I suggest brining them in on a controlled bases to businesses that already have water sports. The reality is some of these young people are not going to follow the rules no matter what. A wide open ocean and they will want to zig and zag between swimmers until someone gets hurt or killed. That is a reality Regarding the noise, that's a flat out lie!!! The wave runners of today are four stroke engines like your car(super quiet). The muffler system & exhaust is under the water. Bet he would not suggest banning the 2 stroke engines on the back of the Moorings dingies which are noisy. Allow businesses that offer options to tourist and locals a fighting chance, the options is drug sales, prison and guns. What the people who come to live amongst us don't realize is that we have to eat also. We refuse to be 3rd class citizens in our own country!!! Sorry
    • cut the check (04/05/2012, 22:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I totally agree with u 100% , the thing is with these people who always opposing everything that can spark economic growth in this country is when they themselves open there own businesses they never consider giving our own people an opportunity to work in these businesses in a managerial position instead they bring in there own people with no experience to run these businesses.For heaven sake let the local people own something and build there own lil nation rather than trying to stop everything that they don't have a clue on.
  • ausar (03/05/2012, 18:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    These people can only call in on talk shows stating their desire to keep these islands as a "sanctuary" because a set of mom-moo sell them land. Stop sell aryo land to them people if aryo want any economic progress!
  • not this time (03/05/2012, 20:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    in these hard economic times we must diversify
  • Wow (03/05/2012, 20:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Go talk to Larry in CGB, he tell you they ain't even worth putting in the water more than a day or two a month.
  • More Research (03/05/2012, 21:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Like most things in the BVI many people are drawn in by the marketing strategy sold by some self-serving individual to get what they want and no one does research for themselves to really understand the pros and cons of these bright ideas some overzealous business person, politician or millionaire is selling us. The BVI with its pristine beauty is a prime location for exploitation by people in the tourism industry. It is up to BV Islanders to protect these islands. The Jet Ski or personal water craft is an appealing and pleasurable water sport for many. However, we cannot only look at the fun one might have on a jet ski, we must also look at what disadvantages continued long term use of these vehicles will have on the quality of life here in the BVI. According to a US Coast Guard statistics jet skis can travel at a speed of approximately 60 mile per hour and can emit noise up to 115 decibels. Although they are only a small percentage of watercraft, they are involved in 37 % of water vessel accidents. Additionally, pollution emission is of further concern when using these personal watercrafts. It is stated that they emit 20 to 40 percent of their fuel unburned. Many places have banned the use of these vehicles or have strict zoning laws with specific noise ordinances regulating their use. Considering the recent comment by the police chief regarding noise ordinances in the BVI I believe BVIslanders should proceed very cautiously with encouraging their use.
  • Realist (03/05/2012, 21:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nice and fun we need dem.
  • phone call (03/05/2012, 22:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the NDP silence is deafening on jet skis
    • Crank Shaft (04/05/2012, 10:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      VIP had 40yrs to approve them, what happened? Now, your silence is deafening, answer me!
  • Laughable (04/05/2012, 07:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please, the noise coming from the many powerboats is at times overwhelming. Modern jet skiis are 4 stroke, so very quiet, you would not hear them at all. Most tourists want options when on vacation, give them as many as is practical. More importantly, we as locals who want and would safely use these are being denied, due to outdated laws. Modernize please !
  • Love Da BVI (05/05/2012, 01:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    One of the reasons I love the BVI is the lack of personal watercraft. I can vacation anywhere on the water in the US but I have to dodge the dam things. That’s why I choose to spend thousands of dollars vacationing in the BVI rather than the US as often as possible. The noise isn’t the issue, the problem is many who ride them think since they are the smaller craft and have right of way they can ride however they please and everyone else will yield to them. That’s why 37% of all boating accidents involve a PWC. Sure it’s an opportunity to increase revenue, but please don’t lose sight of the fact that one of the main reasons the VI are so popular with the coastal cruising crowd is the lack of PWC. Start to go lax on the restrictions on PWC’s and I’m willing to bet you will see a downturn in charter business and that would be catastrophic to the VI.
    • rodent (06/05/2012, 09:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Sure let the Jet Ski's in the BVI's.. In 1 or 2 years you'll have thousands of these noisy ski's going from island to island at all hours of the night run by young BV islanders racing from wherever to wherever with their girlfriends cutting in front of ferries and running into the hundreds of anchored charter boats. Your gonna need a larger hospital.


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