Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday has confirmed that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will maintain its long-standing restriction on jet skis in the nation’s bays and waters, citing major safety concerns and regulatory hurdles.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with the Vincentian diaspora in Brooklyn, New York, Prime Minister Friday addressed the issue during a public Q&A session following a query from Dexter Hoyte, a Vincentian originally from Sandy Bay.
Hoyte had asked whether the administration planned to lift the ban so that locals and visitors could enjoy jet skiing in the islands.
Friday explained that while his administration evaluated the pros and cons of the matter, the government ultimately confirmed the restriction originally adopted many years ago. He emphasized that regulating jet skis presents significant challenges regarding swimmer safety in public coastal areas.
Pointing to examples in his own home community, Friday noted that motorized craft operating close to shore pose serious hazards when strict safety enforcement is lacking.
He highlighted that speedboats driving near beachgoers create significant danger for swimmers, compounding the safety concerns surrounding jet skis.
While acknowledging the recreational appeal of jet skiing and stating that his government remains open to reviewing national policies, Friday maintained that the ban would remain active for the time being until viable regulatory solutions are found.
