UPDATE: Gov’t to consult with stakeholders on use of jet skis in VI– Premier
This is according to Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) in response to questioning from the Deputy Speaker and Opposition Member, Hon Stacy M. Mather (AL), during the Ninth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on March 5, 2024.
Hon Mather had asked the Premier questions about the use of jet skis in the Virgin Islands and why are some persons allowed to own and operate versus others.
Hon Mather further asked for the Government to identify and state any legislation or policy that speaks to the restricted use of jet skis in the territory for commercial and recreational use and whether the government is looking into addressing/lifting those restrictions.
Jet skis remain prohibited- Premier
Premier Wheatley in his response said, “Madam Speaker, jet skis are listed as prohibited items for importation, in the External Trade Importation of Jet Skis Restriction Order Cap 288.”
He said the External Trade Ordinance restricts the importation of jet skis into the Virgin Islands, however, policies could be on the way to change that.
“Madam Speaker, a draft policy for the use of jet skis was developed and the Ministry of Tourism will consult various stakeholders on this policy and determine the way forward based on our discussions.”
Further, the Premier added that he expects that any potential challenges would be brought to his attention during the consultation process.
It remains unclear when the consultation process will start and who has been identified as stakeholders on the way forward. Hon Mather; however, thanked the Premier for the response and added that he is sure the public is grateful for the answer.
See previous article published March 5, 2024
Opposition wants to know if Gov’t seeking to lift ban on jet skis in VI
The Ninth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) of the Virgin Islands (VI) is slated for 10:00 AM at the House of Assembly Chambers in Road Town today, March 5, 2024.
Close to 40 questions are to be asked of the elected government of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) by Members of the Opposition.
‘An area of confusion’
One of those questions will be in relation to the use of jet skis in the Virgin Islands and will be posed by Deputy Speaker and Territorial Member Honourable Stacy M. Mather (AL).
According to the Order Paper, Hon Mather believes the topic of jet skis and why are some persons allowed to own and operate versus others in the territory has long been an area of confusion. Hon Mather is also of the opinion that many entrepreneurs are considering the use of jet skis as a viable business venture and personal recreational activity.
As a result, Hon Mather will ask the Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance to “(a) Identify and state any legislation or policy that speaks to the restricted use of jet skis in the territory for commercial and recreational use?; (b) Is your government looking into addressing/lifting those restrictions?; (c) What are the challenges, if any, with removing the restrictions?”
Bills
Meanwhile, the Premier and Minister of Finance is to move a motion for the Introduction and First Reading of the Bill entitled, “Beneficial Ownership Secure Search System (Amendment) Act 2023”.
Bills to get their Second and Third Readings include the “Register of Interest (Amendment) Bill, 2023”; “Property Tax (Amendment) Act 2023”; “Buildings (Amendment) Act, 2023”; and “Statistics (Amendment) Act, 2023”.
The sitting will be aired LIVE on House of Assembly VI Youtube; House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands Facebook; 780 AM ZBVI Radio; CBN-Radio (90.9 FM); FLOW TV Channel 101; and CCT TV Channel 291.
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63 Responses to “UPDATE: Gov’t to consult with stakeholders on use of jet skis in VI– Premier”
Just get rid of jet skis altogether. W*** trash entertainment in the floating trailer parks.
People don’t come for Jet Ski’s (they can do that in the States) they come for sailing in a beautiful unique place, with many islands. They come for peace. And tranquility. And beautiful turquoise water to swim, snorkel, sail. Relax.
Jet ski’s make the
Most god-awful sound…bring ‘em in and ruin the uniqueness of this place.
I personally don't have issues with jet skis but I think they need to be very careful with this and not use it as another vote pulling tool to get the young people support.
You sound like an @$$%^&*. There is something called probability. If you were to hit a post head on doing 40mph which would you rather be in or on, a motorbike or an SUV? The scooters and jet skis are bad ideas for mainstream useage. Riding around Anegada on a scooter is a good idea. Having rules/regulations as to where jet skis are allowed would be a good idea. Having any and everyone with a jet ski to ride around as they please is a bad bad idea. Don't take my word for it.
Some models have inbuilt limiting mechanisms to prevent travelers from propelling water beyond certain speeds.
Jet ski riders can be fined for excessive speed and driving in a dangerous manner. It actually is a law in many parts of the world today.
J
All these offences are done every day in front of police so having regulations on jet skis will not do any good at all. The first child who dies when using one will be on the government's shoulders, KEEP THEM BANNED.
BIG TIME
Jet Ski’s would be the death of Nature’s Little Secrets.
There are plenty of quiet, safe business opportunities that respect nature. Examples are kayak tours of the mangroves, hiking to the top of Beef Island. E-foils are quiet and non-polluting.
Stop seeking the lowest common denominator.
Please Please Please!
Do Not Legalise These Menaces!
Now you want to negatively affect tourism? You can’t regulate it at all! You would need an army of marine police also on Jet Skis to fine and arrest people who will come in to swim areas and beaches where animals nest just to “show off” and end up chasing tourists away from BVI. People WILL die from these jet skis. More drugs will run with these jet skis. You will not be able to regulate it.
Keep the ban and only put for a few businesses on each island with a limit of how many skis each business can have for rent. Hold the businesses responsible and fine them heavy for renter’s bad riding, so they can hold their own customers responsible. Create zones for jet skis to be used in. Limit the engine/propulsion size of all jet skis. This way people can still pay to enjoy them but in a safe way and in a way that we do not lose tourists as a result of the noise and reckless behavior.
Number 1 - the people that drive them have NO idea what the rules of boating are. In North Sound they drive within 10' of my anchored boat while swimmers are in the water and race along the shore where snorkeling is happening. Have also seen some close calls with kite boards.
Number 2 - these new Jet Skis are getting more powerful and now can excelerate faster than any boat. There has never been adequate boater safety training in the BVI. At least they should limit the horsepower that can be imported.
Number 3 - avoiding the Police! The BVI police are so poorly equipped when it comes to boats and trying to control drugs and illegal immigrants already. These inexpensive Jet skis are going to run circles around our police/immigration boys.
LAW 1 - no wake in a MAPED ANCHORAGE. It is illegal everywhere.
LAW 2 - No wake zone within mooring fields
LAW 3 - Stay within marked channels (when they are marked)
LAW 4 - kill cords MUST be used on watercraft where provided.
But have you ever realize I. The bvi you don’t need a license or even take a course to own and sail a boat…
Fix the system from the bottom come up
Why is it that other countries seem to allow them, albeit with rules and regulations? Its because their citizens are 90% law abiding, unlike here. Its because of our experience with motorbikes that we know our youths are completely unmanageable and ignore laws with impunity. They seem to have money to buy these things. If importation was restricted to bona fide registered hire firms, then the youth would have to pay to use them, and be bound by insurance etc.
How long before we become another Haiti?
Plus the water that comes out of the jet ski can go up a persons ax and kill them. The potential for this will suddenly go from around 0.0% currently to 99.99% chance over time.