Prime Minister Announces New Policy on Yachting

Contact: Rose Marie Harris

Tuesday, September 25, 2001 – St. Lucia has a new policy on yachting.  Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Kenny D. Anthony made the announcement on Tuesday, in a statement to the Saint Lucia House of Assembly, in which he outlined government’s plans to stimulate the economy.

The new policy proposes several measures designed to encourage the development of the yachting sector and encompass revisions of immigration, customs and incentive procedures.

As a result yachtsmen will be permitted to stay on island for a period of six months instead of the current six weeks, consideration will be given to amending the Tourism Incentives Act of 1996 to include yachting so that yachts registered in Saint Lucia would be considered an approved tourism product, and Consumption Tax on all yachts will be reduced to 0%.

The Prime Minister also indicated that subject to the availability of funds, a Customs and Immigration Office would be established in Soufriere that will provide weekend assistance and the Attorney General’s Chambers will draft legislation to regulate yachting in Saint Lucia.

Further, Dr. Anthony told the House of Assembly, yachts which have been cleared for departure will be given the same rights as yachts passing through, merchant shipping legislation will be considered including the registering of vessels in Saint Lucia and all charges, excluding that of the Soufriere Marine Management Authority, will be replaced by a three tier flat rate licence system based on the size of the yacht and length of stay.

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