Bahamas News

High prices are being charged for the sale and lease of marina slips associated with new resort and residential developments, but the government is collecting very little revenue for the use of its waters and seabed, according to Malcolm Martini, who heads a task force that has drafted a proposed Marina Policy.

“Final numbers are not in, but government revenue from marinas is most likely well under $1 million [annually],” he said.

Mr. Martini pointed out that some slips have been sold for as much as $1 million.

He said the new Marina Policy will raise the bar for marina operations in The Bahamas.

“The purpose of the Marina Policy is to respond to changes in the demand for marina space in The Bahamas,” Mr. Martini said.

The government appointed a task force last year to conduct research on the way marinas were sited, how permits were issued and the fee structure for using Bahamian waters.

Members of the task force include: Port Director Captain Anthony Allens; Director of Fisheries Michael Braynen; Dwayne Curtis of the Department of Environmental Health Services; Director of Sustainable Tourism Earlston McPhee; Rochelle Newbold of The Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission, and Mr. Martini who’s also a consultant within the Ministry of Energy and the Environment.

By Deandre Williamson
The Bahama Journal