Shortage of Funds may not give Superyacht crews what they ask for
As the Caribbean super yacht season approaches, Antigua is preparing to beef up security in and around the dockyard area. Community Policing has been expanded to both discourage any criminal activity but also to increase the amount of information the public can give to the police on any criminal elements.
Inspections of vessels entering the waters of Antigua & Barbuda has been introduced with a view to curtailing the importation of illegal goods and drugs.
Not everything however is going to plan. The introduction of CCTV cameras in the English Harbour and Falmouth areas was discussed immediately following the death of Captain Drew Gollan earlier this year. Whilst it is still the intention of the community to introduce cameras, raising the funds in the current economic climate has proved difficult. It is hoped that some cameras will be in place before the start of the season but it is unlikely that the full scheme will be installed until the economic situation improves.
A drugs awareness programme has been implemented in primary schools in an endeavour to tackle the problem of drugs and other social issues before it starts.
Throughout the season, there will be a continuation of the 24 hour foot and mobile patrols with random vehicle checks, all of which will be increased at times of higher activity. Vehicles with dark tinted windows, illegal in Antigua & Barbuda, will be particularly targeted.
A new Vendors Act will soon be in place to control the sale of goods to tourists in the main tourist areas including the beaches. All vendors will be required to be licensed and any person attempting to sell goods without a licence will be challenged.
Bar and restaurant owners are being encouraged to be more responsible in the selling of alcohol and to ensure that illegal drugs are not sold on their premises. If illegal drug trafficking is happening, the police at Dockyards should be notified.