Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez emphasized the growing demand for marina infrastructure in Antigua and hinted at the possibility of establishing a smaller marina in Barbuda.
Speaking on Pointe FM over the weekend, Fernandez highlighted the expanding tourism sector and the need to accommodate more luxury yachts, especially as airlift and cruise operations increase in both islands.
Fernandez recently attended the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show, where he met with key players in the yachting industry.
“Yachting is an important aspect of our tourism product,” he stated, expressing the need to boost this segment. According to the minister, the growing interest in Antigua has already filled the existing marinas to capacity, with some yachts being turned away due to a lack of space.
The minister noted the challenges involved in constructing a new marina, especially regarding the environmental impact. Antigua, he explained, is not naturally deep, meaning dredging would be required.
“We have to assess the environmental impact fully to ensure we’re not destroying something to create something,” Fernandez stated.
Regarding Barbuda, Fernandez revealed that a smaller marina could be possible, although it remains dependent on environmental considerations and further discussions with Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
He also pointed out that the increase in cruise and yacht arrivals will require more taxi and tour operators in Barbuda, offering potential economic benefits to local residents.
Fernandez acknowledged the significant potential for growth in Barbuda, stressing that this is “just the tip of the iceberg” when it comes to opportunities for the local community to get involved in tourism development.
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I wish this ABLP government would show the same vigour and enthusiasm for other financial sectors and services that would benefit Antiguans in the long term and not the “fortnightly” tourists, who are here today and gone tomorrow.
Boosting and building other financial sectors is a must, and should not be an ABLP afterthought …
OK! Max Fernandez, the #Lame_Duck MP.
One can clearly ask, “what was your legacy or is your legacy, of having the easiest job, as a salesperson; because, the product (the flora & fauna of the Nation of Antigua, Barbuda and REDONDA) which you are selling, have sold, although it is in need; #yes_indeed, of a facelift, some pruning, a whole lot of polishing, you are working with a #gem, like a pearl which has lost some of, its lustre and could use some polishing.
So, Max “Lame_Duck” Fernandez, you are reading, some of the reasoning(s) of Jumbee_Picknee and have once again, realize the practical nature of Common Sense.
Therefore…
(1)…the government MUST sue Dato Tan and The Yida disasters, and return this area incorporating PARHAM_TOWN as one such area, to accommodate Cruise Ships, but other Commercial activities as well.
(2)…GET_RID_OF_YIDA!
(3)…GET_RID_OF DATO TAN!
(4)…TEK_BAK_R-WE_LAND!
(5)…NO_YADA_YADA_CRAP!
(6)…GET_RID_OF_YIDA!
Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’Ole Dutty Peg🦉Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
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