Beach vendors and watersport operators are praying for a turnaround in the tourism sector so they can continue to earn a living.
Today as Leader of the Opposition Mia Mottley continued the Rubbing Shoulders Programme, with a tour of the Dover, Pebbles, Holetown and Mullins beaches, vendor Robert Charmont was busy packing up his beach chairs and umbrellas after no sales for the day.
Charmont who has 80 chairs and has been operating from Mullins Beach for the past seven years, said things have been, “not so good”.
Shadow Minister of Business and Member of Parliament for St James Central Kerrie Symmonds speaking as the group concluded the tour at Mullins Beach said many beach operators charged that their businesses have declined by between 50 to 80 per cent recently yet they still have to insure their boats, repair and maintain while having their other financial commitments.
He called for watersport operators to have equal opportunities to fishermen who were given excise on diesel and assistance when VAT was increased; also for a revisit of the Sustainable Tourism Development Act (2002), stating that it would become more relevant to the people who have invested in the tourism product.
Concern about unsanitary conditions at beaches was expressed by Shadow Minister of the Ministry of Environment Senator Wilfred Abrahams.
Full story in tomorrow’s WEEKEND NATION
