Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Hon. Ted Richardson recently inaugurated the Maritime Department Inspection Vessel.
As part of the Minister’s Road Map, the revamping of control mechanisms within his ministry has been a priority since being appointed as minister more than 12-months ago. The Department of Maritime Affairs now has a very important tool that would allow it to carry out inspections in local and inland waters.
Ministry TEATT objective is to have a better organized maritime sector that is observant of the laws of the land. In order to enforce existing laws, the Maritime Department needed the necessary tools.
Ministry TEATT effort also includes capacity building of the department and the establishment of the Marine Assistance and Control Unit (MAC).
The maritime sector plays a very important role in the economic development of the country and deserves the attention and the assistance needed to optimize its functioning and adherence to the laws of the country that govern maritime activities and services.
The MAC Unit will consist of dedicated and trained young people to be stationed at different points throughout the country.
The services provided by the MAC Unit would allow visitors to the country to enjoy a pleasant stay further enhancing the visitor experience.
The assistance will vary from minimizing bureaucratic procedures to ensuring a safe and secure environment, or simply providing information to questions that visitors/sailors may have at that particular point in time.
Ministry TEATT actions based on the policy initiatives from the Road Map of Minister Hon. Ted Richardson will also place emphasis on sustainability of the maritime sector with respect to stopping illegal and unfair competition and creating a level playing field.
The aforementioned will be executed via the MAC ensuring that maritime time sector actors are in full compliance with all laws and regulations of the country.