Increased security and surveillance for yachties in Leeward and Grenadines

A cross-section of the Chateaubelair/Fitz Hughes Waterfront. Photo by Demion McTair.

By Admin. Updated 5:15 a.m., Wednesday, January 24, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Increased marine security and surveillance is expected this year for the Leeward coast of mainland St. Vincent and in the Grenadines (SVG).

Minister of Tourism, Honourable Carlos James, made the announcement on January 23, during his State of the Tourism Industry Address to stakeholders at the Cruise Ship Terminal in Kingstown.

Minister James said that while the destination is recovering quite well in yachting tourism, increased surveillance is expected through the operationalization of a Coast Guard sub-base on the Leeward side of the island.

The tourism minister noted that greater surveillance will also take place in the Northern and Southern Grenadines, following the reintroduction of the sub-base on Bequia recently.

“We continue to expand in this tourism sub-sector and we have to ensure visitors to our destination remain safe. The Coast Guard sub-base on the leeward side of the island will provide for a greater level of security and surveillance to yachties,” Minister James said.

This country saw a marked increase in yacht arrivals in 2023 when compared with 2022 with a 43 percent increase.

Leave a comment