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Contact:
John
Emmanuel
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President of MIASL Keats Compton at Saturday's
Launching Ceremony |
Monday, April 19, 2004 - A new association has begun lending support, in
terms of seeing after yachting interests on the island. Last weekend, the
much-talked-about Marine Industries Association of St. Lucia Inc. (MIASL) was
officially launched. The formation of the association, among other reasons came
as a direct result of one of the many recommendations of a study conducted by
the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.
President of the MIASL, Keats Compton said the registered company would seek to
promote the business and recreational aspects of boating, while influencing the
legislative regime with a view to promoting clarity and uniformity within
existing legislation. He explained that among the immediate priorities is the
need to revisit the existing education system. “The average boat, referred to as
a mega yacht in boating circles, is a very sophisticated piece of equipment and
the kinds of skills needed to keep it afloat and in shipshape condition are not
readily available here,” said Mr. Compton, who’s family has a long and proud
history of boating. Attracting such vessels to St. Lucia he said would hinge on
the necessary skills being available.
One of the principle goals of the marine association will be to promote St.
Lucia as a major boating destination, as revenue from the sector world wide
continues to grow. “The real challenge to be faced however is to ensure that we
create serious standards, so that when people think of the local yachting
experience, it’s no longer going to be the set of beautiful Pitons that are
haunted with unruly boat boys”, lamented Cuthbert Didier, General Manager Rodney
Bay Marina. He pointed to the need to create industry standards, whereby all
stakeholders would realise and be willing to participate. The new entity,
described as a Chamber of Commerce of the seas, will also be calling for greater
governmental support, in terms of concessions, which currently exist for other
sectors like manufacturing, agriculture and land-based tourism.
Tourism Minister, Honourable Phillip J. Pierre was quick to point out
government’s recognition of the importance of the yachting sector and efforts
that were currently underway to lend greater support. “We must try to make money
from this industry,” stated Minister Pierre. He told the audience who had
gathered at the Vigie based, Auberge Seraphine for the Saturday, April 17th
launching, “that whereas there is need for recreation, enjoyment and sport, the
yachting industry can make money. It can cause economic benefits and several
studies have pointed to that fact. This industry can create economic linkages
and economic power for a lot of people and it must be explored.”
The newly launched association is to expend much effort in promoting boating
among average St. Lucians, as a mean of dispelling the myth that yachting is
just the hobby of the rich and famous. The association’s affairs are being
overseen by a five-member board of directors.
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