The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

The deputy prime minister has promised an update on potential reforms to the new and increased boating fees will be provided “in due course” with the MInistry of Finance and Ministry of Transport heading talks with the private sector.

Chester Cooper, also minister of tourism, investments and aviation, said: “The review is being done by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transport. I don’t have an update on that at the moment, but I know that you’ll hear more in due course.”

The Government announced just prior to Christmas 2025 that it would “review” the “competitiveness” of the boating fee hikes and accompanying regulatory reforms following the Prime Minister’s intervention, with marina industry chiefs asserting the sector feels as if “every five years we start over again”.

Mr Cooper, in a statement that was released to the international boating community as well as for local consumption, asserted then that the Davis administration will assess the “impacts” and “implementation” of the new and increased fees, plus regulatory adjustments, that were introduced with other Budget reforms on July 1, 2025.

Finally responding to more than six months of advocacy and warnings, and with marinas asserting they will be “satisfied” to generate just 50 percent of the prior year’s business volumes, Mr Cooper voiced optimism that a solution that reverses this sharp drop-off - as well as generates funding for environmental preservation and sustainable management of maritime resources - can be delivered.

Speaking as the full impact of the Government’s policy is hitting home, with many in the maritime sector describing the 2025-2026 winter boating season as lost, Mr Cooper said: “The Bahamas has built its global reputation on a foundation of warmth, openness and a seamless partnership with those who visit our waters. Our priority is to protect that reputation and ensure the economic prosperity of the Bahamians who depend on it.

“Over the past several weeks, we have listened closely to the concerns expressed by our marina operators, tour guides, service providers and small business owners - particularly in Abaco, Bimini and The Exumas - regarding recent changes to the regulatory framework affecting our boating sector. We have also heard reports of cancellations and the sentiment from some visitors that they felt unwelcome.

“After discussions with Prime Minister Davis on the issues that have arisen, key notes of concern have been identified, and there will be a review of the current framework and its implementation. It is important to note that these measures formed part of a broader policy approach, driven by considerations of regulation, environmental stewardship and building infrastructure for the sustainable management of our maritime space,” Mr Cooper added.

“The Ministry of Tourism is focused on ensuring that The Bahamas remains one of the most welcoming and competitive destinations in the region for boating visitors. To that end, I will be working closely with my Cabinet colleagues, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transport, as we advance a review of the process and its ultimate competitiveness. The aim is to assess the framework, its implementation and its impacts.

“I am confident that through dialogue, cooperation, and good faith, we can arrive at an outcome that reflects our values, protects our interests, and reaffirms to the world that The Bahamas remains open, responsive, and ready to welcome all who wish to responsibly enjoy our waters.” However, no announcement of any revisions or agreements with the private sector have yet been made with the Palm Beach Boat Show now just weeks away.

While The Bahamas’ new two-year frequent digital cruising card (FDCC) has gained traction with boaters, others have pointed out that The Bahamas has gone from charging $600 for a cruising permit, which included a fishing permit and no anchorage fee, to a $1,000 cruising permit fee, $350 anchorage fee and $300 per month fishing permit fee.

The ‘temporary’ 12-month cruising permit fee for a vessel below 50 feet in length has risen from $300 to $500, a two-thirds or 66.67 percent rise, with those between 50 feet and 100 feet seeing an increase of similar magnitude from $600 to $1,000. And the new anchorage fees range from $200 to $1,500 “for foreign pleasure vessels not mooring at a marina”, and are again linked to vessel size.

The Opposition has seized on the boating fee fall-out to promise it will both cut these levies and modernise permit and licensing systems so that they are “accessible” and user-friendly for visitors.