By NATARIO McKENZIE
Tribune Business Reporter
nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net
The Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) chairman has called for anchorage fees to be imposed in mooring spots throughout the Bahamas.
Addressing the ninth annual Exuma Business Outlook conference, Eric Carey noted that while the BNT had implemented anchorage fees at the Exuma Land & Sea Park to cover its annual operating expenses and upgrade infrastructure, the initiative was one he believed should be implemented in other areas.
“We need to think about doing these sorts of initiatives in other areas like Elizabeth Harbour off of Black Point, Staniel Cay and Nassau Harbour,” he said.
“They come down there they anchor and they pay absolutely nothing and they come fully stocked. Half of the time they don’t even spend $5 in the Bahamas and what do they eat? Our fish,” said Mr Carey.
Mr Carey noted that it costs the BNT $6000,000 annually to run the Exuma Land & Sea Park, which the Trust had to recoup from boaters.
Mr Carey said that the Exuma Land & Sea Park contributes approximately $2.5 million to the economy of that island each year.
“It’s an important stop and this is what national parks do.
“If a park is there people have it as a part of their agenda that they want to spend time in the Exuma Land & Sea Park,” said Mr Carey.
Stressing the need to wide the scope of anchorage fees Mr Carey added: Thousands of boats come in and lay up in Elizabeth Harbour, everyone of them should be picking up a mooring for which they should pay and if they don’t want to pay then they should go somewhere else. We have water quality issues and anchor damage in Elizabeth Harbour.
“The Bahamas sells itself as sun, sand and sea but there is so much more that we need to be selling.
“As an organisation we have never really promoted that the Bahamas needs to become a mecca for eco-tourism and that all of our efforts should be focused on eco-tourism,” Mr Carey added.
Comments
Osborn 9 years, 6 months ago
He is grossly misinformed about spending by cruisers visiting the bahamas. We spend several months there each winter and spend plenty. We eat out several times a week and would do so more often if there were more places to do so. We also buy plenty, if not all of our groceries, especially perishables. We also pay the $300 entry fee and rent moorings in the park several times each season.
Sure, there are some who don't pay anything but to implement these fees will surely drive away cruisers, you can take that to the bank.
wbru49 9 years, 6 months ago
We're already been driven away. After wintering in the Bahamas the last four seasons and spending over $26,000 in marina fees, restaurants, and groceries (nine dollars for gallon of milk gets oold), we cut back spending after the entry fee went up. Now they've added the 9% VAT on top starting this year, so we'll just cut back entirely. Bye-bye Bahamas.
Ajchan 9 years, 6 months ago
I am frankly surprised that the trustees of the Bahamian National Trust would permit the unsubstantiated bombast of the chairman Eric Carey to stand unchallenged. His comment
....“They come down there they anchor and they pay absolutely nothing and they come fully stocked. Half of the time they don’t even spend $5 in the Bahamas and what do they eat? Our fish,”....
is unsubstantiated and irresponsible. I am a regular visitor to the Bahamas and in addition to the $300 entry fee, I spend thousands of dollars annually on fuel, food and services. To imply that boaters are opportunistic free loaders who do nothing to contribute to the local economy is untrue and inflammatory. Adopting a stance of "pay or go elsewhere" is short sighted and will harm local businesses as many people will actually chose to go elsewhere.
While a dialogue on how to protect the natural beauty of the Bahamas is long over due, to single out boaters as the sole source of environmental stress is naive. Instead of engaging the cruising community as a partner and a resource, Mr. Carey seems to view visitors on boats as a troublesome burden who should be exploited at will.
Eric Carey has done the Bahamas National Trust a disservice with his ham fisted undiplomatic remarks and he should be sanctioned by his trustees for alienating visitors and potential visitors to the Bahamas.
EricCarey 9 years, 6 months ago
Well the first thing you have to do is put in in the context. We were talking agt the conference about the many problems being caused by anchor damage in many popular moorings. It was following a point I made about our new anchorage fees in the Exuma Park.
Local residents from Exuma were also offering the opinion that the quality of the habitat and the water quality in Elizabeth Harbour is also being negatively impacted by the hundreds(?) of boats that anchor there in the winter months. I did encourage them to follow the example of what we have done in the Exuma Park, and consider putting in more mooring balls and charging boaters to use them as a way of protecting our resource, and also earning money to help the local Elizabeth Harbour NGO in their efforts to clean up and restore the area.
There were comments that many of boaters are too "Cheap" and will not want to pay. I agreed that MANY of the boaters who come to the Bahamas indeed offer very little to the bahamian economy. I did state that MANY of them do spend very little as they come fully provisioned for the winter and indeed eat much of what they catch from our oceans. Social media and the many blogs give us access information we never had before. I'm always intrigued by how many fresh seafood dinners and lunches, conch salads etc are enjoyed by your boating colleagues. Most of it is of course quite legal, but I'd love to see a study that shows what this really valued at.
I would be anxious to hear your data on how much is contributed by the average boater who does not use marinas or purchase fuel, to the economy. This is a figure that will be very useful to quantify as I can tell with full confidence, that the general view prevails that many of these types of boaters get more out the Bahamas than they put back. If anyone has data to counter this this would be useful.
I'm well aware that there are many many responsible boaters who love our country and who do want to contributesignificantly and help us protect our resources so that THEY can continue to enjoy them. But there are bad apples as well. We encounter them all over the Bahamas.
Everytime the Bahamas seeks to implement any policy or increase that will cause boaters to pay more there are these threats to abandon the destination. And yes we lose some everytime. But I will never apologise for any intiative we implement that seeks to help protect our resources. For the "el cheapo smoochers" who don't want to pay anything, we always expect the backlash. But for those who love the Bahamas and understand how much it cost to keep it beautiful, and to keep fish in our oceans, they do get the picture and will be less resistant to these necessary iniatives.
Those who get pissed of and leave vowing never to come back, I'm not sure we should, as a country, worry too much about this "loss".
The_Oracle 9 years, 6 months ago
Careful Eric, you are sounding like more like a typical Government xenophobic hack than an ambassador for the part of the environment that the National trust is Guardian of. No matter the barrel you look in, Government, Trust, Private sector, Church, There are bad apples. Seems to me the Trust has "co-opted" the Government methods of Revenue collection, by force, with ever expanding power, greed and need. Remember this: Those who nickel and dime a situation to death, end up with nickels and dimes.
IslandCruiser2 9 years, 6 months ago
What you do not understand Mr. Carey is that your comments are insulting and disrespectful to all boaters who cruise your waters.
Cruising sailors are the ultimate Eco-tourists. We use almost no fuel, are powered by wind and sun and are extremely conscientious of our environmental impact. We minimize our waste, recycle everything we can, protect reefs, and fish only what we would consume ourselves. Shouldn't that lifestyle be encouraged? Shouldn't someone who supposedly loves the environment partner with them rather than reject them?
When we cruised the Bahamas we spent thousands above the entry fee for marinas, restaurants, grocers, local services, and various tourist activities. Now you want us to accept your insults AND pay more? No thank you. Some of our good friends and fellow-cruisers who can't afford to spend much more than your exorbitant entry-fees have donated much-needed school supplies and regularly volunteer their time at Bahamian charitable events and beach clean-ups. By your statements, they are not welcome in your country and you categorize them as "El Cheapo Smoochers." That sir is a disgusting insight into your character.
I too am surprised that BNT supports such inflammatory, offensive statements that clearly indicate only the wealthy are welcome to visit the Bahamas. I realize you could care less, but I know our money will be much better spent and welcomed elsewhere.
Privateer 9 years, 6 months ago
As someone who has sailed the Bahamas, spending thousands of dollars doing so, I find these comments not only insulting but also ignorant. I expect that with a little digging, we'd find the BNT is not able to manage its budget properly and rather than take responsibility, points a blaming finger at cruisers. Fees will probably become more expensive and wider spread, fewer cruisers (like me) will spend time in Bahamian waters, and the BNT will still end up struggling with less cruising dollars making it into supporting local communities and businesses spread throughout the islands. What a shame.
ManyThousands 9 years, 6 months ago
Mr. Carey has such disdain for the hand that feeds him. Lashing out in such an angry and adversarial way toward those that fill ones coffers is not wise. I understand it must be difficult to depend so heavily on those for whom you have such disdain, but learn to hide it better sir.
Drew 9 years, 6 months ago
I HAD been planning on spending my first year of retirement next season cruising the Bahamas. I had been led to believe it was a warm and welcoming country. However, after reading Mr. Carey's words, maybe a straight-shot to the Virgin Islands is in order? Mr. Carey needs to realize that every island in the Caribbean competes for cruisers' dollars, actively or passively, and the first thing he needs to accept is that we don't have to go to the Bahamas. It's convenient, but it's a destination that can easily be passed over, especially by the larger yachts that typically have more money to spend. Such derogatory and unwelcoming comments on his part does his nation no good, and it harms the small businesses that benefit from cruisers.
TroppiK 9 years, 6 months ago
The Bahamas are under no obligation to welcome outside sailors or their money (so stop acting like you are supposed to be welcomed somewhere); however, if the government continues to collect more fees, it is at the expense of the Bahamian people who own the businesses where the money would go otherwise. Of course, this looks a lot like the rest of the marine industry where those with the megayachts (aka cash cows) are more than welcome and us regular people with limited budgets are not.
snool 9 years, 6 months ago
"everyone of them should be picking up a mooring for which they should pay and if they don’t want to pay then they should go somewhere else"
Be careful what you wish for smart guy: you just might get it.
Also, "smoochers" would be kissing people. i think you mean "moochers". If you're going to insult me, at least do it properly.
Canucksailor 9 years, 6 months ago
Mr. Carey - google my name, Wally Moran, along with the word sailing. Now, tell me you want me discussing your willingness to drive cruisers away from your islands with more fees. Tell me you want me discussing your dismissive attitude towards tourists who travel on boats. Do you have any idea how large my personal audience is, and just in North America? Your islands survive on tourism. Your attitude is to drive us away. Is that an intelligent way to help your country? I think not. My personal plans for this coming winter were to sail through the Bahamas on my way to Cuba, spending a considerable amount of time, and money, while there. I also planned on producing a video extolling the beauties of cruising in the Bahamas, something to promote your country. YOUR attitude, Sir, means that I will go directly to Cuba, and leave you with nothing. Is that what you want? Just how stupid do you think we cruisers are? If you don't want us, we'll gladly go elsewhere, and to hell with you. This is not what I want. I happen to love your islands, I'll miss going there, but if your attitude prevails, there are other places I can go - and WILL go. Perhaps you have forgotten, boats are mobile. We can go where we are welcomed. You need to rethink your attitude, before we rethink it for you.
BayBreeze 9 years, 5 months ago
Greetings Wally Moran, I googled your name + sailing and it came back "blow hard with a inflated ego" Obviously Mr Carey's insensitive comments struck a nerve. However, I doubt you gave any thoughtful consideration regarding the genesis of his remarks. Why would he even say such a thing? A cruiser of your vast experience would understand that water quality can be degraded by black and gray water discharges, fisheries can be depleted by excessive taking, living coral can be damaged by anchoring and groundings, and ill-manners are not the sole province of landlubber tourists.
Perhaps rather than taking umbrage you might consider using your high platform and unparalleled experience to contribute to positive results rather than threatening retribution to a whole nation over a callous remark of one Bahamian. It would be a shame to impugn the country and dissuade future cruisers from enjoying the hospitality of the Bahamian people and bounty of the beautiful archipelago.
The Bahamas overwhelmingly welcomes visitors and survives through tourism. The Bahamas depends on tourism and as such, tourism is the foundation for advancing environmental protection, conservation of lands and waters, and promotion sustainable uses. Yet the for same reason, bad players often get a "free pass" for their abuse the hospitality by not respecting local regulations, customs, and common courtesy. Most often to protect the tourism prestige, tourist violators are conferred deferential consideration. You may be aware that the BNT has made remarkable progress in advancing conservation in the Bahamas and faces many challenges as a developing nation. Mr. Carey's faux pas aside, I truly believe that cruisers are wholeheartedly welcomed and valued in The Bahamas, and by the BNT. It is recognized the many sailors and motor yacht cruisers substantially impact the economy, especially in family islands as well as contribute time and funds to many worthwhile causes.
You are uniquely qualified to resolve any misconception regarding international visitors coming to The Bahamas on boats, and what condescension is necessary to ameliorate this cruising crisis. If you are not already a member of the National Trust, I'd encourage you to join to support stewardship of the nation's natural resources which you have enjoyed in the past. As a sage of great sea wisdom, I trust you will continue to use your acumen for the greater good.
Perhaps our wakes will cross and I'll be pleased to buy you a cold Sands!
by BayBreeze
by BayBreeze
by BayBreeze
Canucksailor 8 years, 11 months ago
Unfortunately, I missed Baybreeze's remarks when they were first posted or I would have replied then. My point was not to be pompous, but to note to Carey that when he makes public remarks, he gets public criticism from people such as myself with a broad audience - and that's not very smart of him. I know of several other boating journalists who took Carey to task over his remarks, not just myself. This entire issue was well discussed in cruising circles. Now, Baybreeze - you take me to task about many things, such as grey and black water discharge. Perhaps you might recall that there are almost no pumpouts in the Bahamas. Discharge is a fact of life here, as you must know, and criticizing cruiser for it when there is no alternative is running close on the line that Carey treads. In another post here, you discuss the people who illegally enter the Bahamas in Bimini for example, or Cay Sal. Well, in Bimini, enforcement should be quite simple, since the marinas are almost all in the harbour. Just post a police boat at the entrance and do checks for papers. Problem solved. Revenue increases as a bonus. I can't imagine why you don't simply do this - or is Resort World concerned that you would drive away business with this tactic? I would suggest however, that your problem here isn't with cruisers, but rather the small boats that race over from Miami and Fort Lauderdale for a day or two of fishing or gambling. As for your concern that I slander an entire nation, when someone such as Carey decides to use his position to speak for the whole nation, then you gets what you gets, and that's the backlash you see on this page. I am greatly heartened by the fact that a number of these comments are from Bahamians who were upset by Carey's remarks - it shows that he is, indeed, a very tiny minority of one. Oh, fyi, I am writing this from Bimini, where I'm resting up on my way to the Berries, Exumas and further down through the Bahamas. I chose to do this because of the attitudes of other Bahamians shown here, and the fact of Carey's apology. I'll look forward to that beer if, as you say, our paths should cross.
SVNeverLand 9 years, 6 months ago
What an insulting little pompous ass. Im with you Wally, straight to Cuba, at least they are warm and welcoming, even if they do want the same thing, our money. But hey, thats why we're there for, to spend money. Might not be the thousands the big boys throw around, but it will be appreciated.
Libraboy 9 years, 6 months ago
To all boaters:Firstly, Eric is not an Ambassador to the Bahamas, nor does he speak for all Bahamians. Secondly, Mr. Carey is well known for putting his foot in his mouth. His dictatorship-like attitude does not bode well for the Trust. This man has shown himself to be an arrogant individual who likes to assert himself as being in charge of everything. Trust me. I am a Bahamian who follows events that have been attended by Eric. I can safely say that all boaters should take whatever he says as a grain of salt. Carey needs to realize that he is not speaking to one of his employees who he tend to look down on. He is speaking to guests of our country. With that said, there is nothing wrong with discussing pertinent issues that about national parks, under BNT watch. It is how one presents this discussion across to stakeholders that matters!
jkamgas 9 years, 6 months ago
I guess the thousands I've spent over there on supplies, local contractors, and supporting the local establishments don't offset the value of a few fish. Very nice Mr. Carey!
skipgundlach 9 years, 6 months ago
I've been to the national park, and very much enjoyed myself there.
However, I anchored out in a vast area with nearly no boats. The mooring balls were full.
In areas with safe, effective mooring balls, there are always those who will gladly pay for them. If there are viable alternatives (such as the area we were anchored in), I see nothing wrong with mooring balls.
However, the approach isn't one designed to win friends among the cruising community. There are now many moorings in Elizabeth Harbour - but none of them are rated for anything most folks using a mooring are interested in - protection from a blow which would threaten an anchored boat.
Put in all the moorings you want, but don't limit the ability to anchor out. You'll find takers if they are reasonably priced, safe and secure. If you make it such that the only ones who can come and spend their money in your area are those who can ALSO afford a mooring ball you will limit the number who can come by more than just the number of balls installed - which in itself is self-limiting.
I know of many cruisers who are effective fishermen - but they STILL participate in shoreside spending.
Most of the cruisers do not fish at all, and some of the rest are only the most occasional fisherfolk. As one on a very limited budget (requiring, now that relatives have stripped my retirement funds, with no visible prospect of repayment, working some months of the year - in the US, as I'm not allowed to contribute to your economy other than to pay people for goods and services there), I still get all my food, gasoline and diesel fuel, propane, repair parts, services etc., there, purchased from your businesses, while in your wonderful waters. I believe I represent the bulk of cruisers to your country.
When I learned of the proposed increase in entry fees, I actively considered passing by. Now that it has been reversed, I was still planning on coming next year (we do our visiting in the warmer months, unlike most other cruisers). But I can tell you categorically that we cannot afford mooring fees, whether daily, monthly, or multi-month discounted rates. We would have to give it a pass.
Likewise, we are not alone, and, I believe, represent a significant portion of the cruising community in financial terms.
l eagerly await movement on this subject, as it is a critical step in the decision of whether to continue to support the Bahamian economy...
ManyThousands 9 years, 6 months ago
With the $1M donated by the Aga Khan for Mr. Carey to look the other way while illegal dredging took place under his watch, Mr. Carey can afford to be pompous toward the "smoochers". http://www.bahamasnational.com/?q=nod...">http://www.bahamasnational.com/?q=nod...
IslandCruiser2 9 years, 6 months ago
I wonder if someone at the Tribune would reach out to the Ministry of Tourism to comment? I am sure they could get a response more quickly than the rest of us.
Citizenconcerned242 9 years, 6 months ago
As a Bahamian, I am appalled by Mr. Carey’s remarks in the Tribune and also his ignorant response above. He had the opportunity to clarify his statement but yet again, put his foot in his mouth. However, I am not surprised Mr. Carey rarely has tact and often lacks couth. With someone like that being in the top post at the Trust, it is only going to be an injustice for what has the potential to be a leading environmental organization in the country. I am not surprised that in a previous article printed in the Tribune, Mr. Carey declared that the Trust is in “desperate” need of funds. I guess his comments are those of desperation. Sad to say, with someone like him in the lead, the Trust is going to continue to fail and not raise the funds they need to do their work. I sit and wonder if the governing body of the Trust sees how much damage Mr. Carey is doing for the organization. Yes their needs to be a discussion about environmental protection and management and the long-term sustainability to protect these areas. However, Mr. Carey you cannot approach potential supporters with such insulting remarks. You will NEVER raise what is needed. You sir are doing the Trust and the country a disservice. What is the board doing? Where is Tourism? Remove this joker and your organization will flourish!
NCDD 9 years, 6 months ago
It seems like a very easy argument to dispute. All that is required is a simple contact to the "Exumas Market", or maybe "Isle General" in Staniel to verify that the cruisers spend a lot of money on groceries and supplies. Just walk into Exuma Mkt during the "season" and then go there off season!!!!!!!!!!! I am amazed at the attitude of Mr. Carey, but what mainly bothers me is that he is quoting facts that are absolutely wrong!!!!!!! His statements just galvanize the good efforts that the LARGE majority of cruisers do for the country, that will stop when they quit visiting. He seems to think that they will come no matter the price, as a visiting cruiser I can confirm they will stop visiting. If his intentions are to stop the cruisers from coming to your wonderful Islands he is doing a very good job!!!!!!!!!!!!
EricCarey 9 years, 5 months ago
Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), Eric Carey, extended his sincere apologies to all boaters that visit The Bahamas year after year today.
During the Exuma Business Outlook forum Director Carey answered a question from the floor that painted annual boaters in a less than flattering light. He and the BNT Executive team acknowledge that comments such as those should not have been made considering that the yachting; sailing and small craft boaters who visit the islands have a significant impact and role in the Bahamian economy, tourism and environmental longevity.
Since its inception in 1958 the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park has been a premier anchoring location for boaters who visit The Bahamas. Recently the BNT introduced anchorage fees due to the increased annual operational cost of repairs and upkeep of the Bahamas’ oldest National park. In Mr. Carey’s passion to defend his organization’s need to increase income to support the Park’s operations, he suggested that the residents of Elizabeth Harbour install moorings to help with their efforts to clean up and restore their harbor. Some residents made comments to the effect that some boaters were not willing to pay for moorings. Carey unfortunately went on record to support the comments and agreed that some of these boaters do not contribute significantly to the economy.
“The comments which I made at the Exuma Business Outlook Conference are not the views of the Trust,” noted Carey. “We welcome all visitors and most importantly boaters in The Bahamas – not only to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park but throughout The Bahamas.”
Carey continued “international boaters are significant contributors to our economy and specifically to the more boutique islands which are not visited my mainstream tourists. In addition hundreds are annual supporters of the Trust through membership, valued Support Fleet members, the payment of mooring fees or by donating much needed personal resources to the protection of the marine environment. I offer my heartfelt apologies and hope that all boaters will continue to visit The Bahamas.”
SVNeverLand 9 years, 5 months ago
Somebody got their butt chewed.
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 5 months ago
Interesting. Change is hard and diplomacy is a skill.
IslandCruiser2 9 years, 5 months ago
Good for the BNT for stepping up. I wonder how long it will take for the Trust to ask Carey to step down? It would appear Bahamians and visitors alike are tired of his pompous attitude.
Auspicious 9 years, 5 months ago
Mr. Carey seems ill-informed and ill-advised.
BayBreeze 9 years, 5 months ago
Perhaps the comments were ill-advised and hurtful to good boaters and cruisers. I would hope folks who are upset with Mr. Carey's comments consider that there are bad boaters and outright pirates exploiting Bahamian resources with no economic benefit to the economy of the Bahamas and no respect for the marine environment. Day trippers and weekend cruisers may not be the problem in the Exumas, but Bimini, Cal Sal, and Bahama Banks are looted by folks who do not pay fees, clear customs, or spend a dime in The Bahamas. This is a link to a story about this kind of exploitation exposed, not by the Defense Force, US Customs and Immigration, or The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, but by a Sheriff on a spot safety check:
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/new...">http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/new...
Given the importance of all tourism, It is obvious why The Bahamas does not want to crack down on those who illegally exploit resources and disrespect the sovereignty of the nation. Perhaps the words were ill advised, but good cruisers who obey the law, respect the environment, support the economy and contribute their time should know that there are bad players who taint the boating community with their imprudent actions. To those moochers, I concur with Mr. Carey's original sentiment - the Bahamas is better off with out them!
SVNeverLand 9 years, 5 months ago
I accept his apology and we are still planning on heading there next winter.
BayBreeze 9 years, 5 months ago
Thank you - The Bahamas needs good boaters - enjoy!
RichC 9 years, 5 months ago
After reading article through the comments, I can see this issue (and Mr. Carey's opinion of visiting cruisers) has ruffled a few feathers. As recession pinched and "want-to-be" longer term cruiser, I am disappointed to see the cost to visit the Bahamas at the deterrent point. We've already stayed away from visiting for our few vacation weeks of sailing due to the $300 entry and high costs to enjoy the islands. I had hoped that once retired that we could justify visiting by spreading out the fees and learning how to budget our entertainment dollars spent in the Bahamas wisely. We definitely are not the freeloaders described (nor are most visitors I know) and dislike being looked at as tourists to be fleeced. I hope cooler heads and polite discourse will find a better solution than continuing to push "moderate" income and appreciative cruisers away from the Bahamas.
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