The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

AFTER years of waiting for answers, a local water sports operator is calling on the government to “make up its mind” about the use of modified jet skis.

Alexys Sears, of Tsunami Watersports, said the four-stroke WaveRunner which he is attempting to get approved by authorities is already being rented out in the Bahamas by five cruise ships, but their use by local operators is still forbidden.

He is now accusing the Bahamian government of discriminating against its own citizens.

Mr Sears said he made an application to the Port Controller and the Ministry of the Environment in 2010 seeking permission for the use the modified watercraft.

After several meetings and email exchanges, there has been “no real answer” from any government agency,” he said.

“I have been before the chairman several times and it’s still the same thing. I am not getting an answer. The biggest thing is they claim there was an issue with the speed, but I have since fixed that problem,” Mr Sears said.

“That problem has been satisfied, so I really do not see what the problem is. I do not understand why they are taking so long to give me an answer.

“The ministry eventually approved it, but the Port just won’t sign off on it. I just want them to implement it. I mean, I cannot use it. The jet ski is just sitting there and no one is telling me anything.

“This is ridiculous. This matter needs to be addressed. More than sufficient research and information concerning this matter has been forwarded to the chairman and the Port Department, yet the situation has not been solved.”

Mr Sears said he is scheduled to meet with the Port Controller some time next week. If the matter is not resolved, he said, he is prepared to take his fight “as high as it needs to go”.