Opposition Leader Dr Godwin Friday wants the government to “send a strong signal” to persons who commit crimes against yachties in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

He said this must be done to encourage growth in the yachting sector.

He made the point on Monday January, 22, while speaking on his New Democratic Party’s New Times radio programme.

The Opposition Leader, who is also the NDP’S shadow Minister of Tourism, said while the destination is enjoying an increase in yacht visits at the same time there is increase in crimes against the yachties.

The Northern Grenadines representative noted that the yachting sector adds high value to tourism, as was stated in an ECCB report.

“The yachties come and they buy services as well, they don’t just sail into the harbour and drop anchor.”

Friday suggested that in order to encourage this area of tourism, swift action must be taken to discourage the criminals. In his response to the 2024 Budget debate, the Opposition Leader suggested that a mechanism be put in place to ensure swift justice is obtained for yachties who are in the destination for only short periods. Therefore, whenever there is an arrest, the matter needs to be fast tracked before the court.

Dr Friday also warned on Monday that tourism officials should not become complacent because of the rising number of visitors to these shores, though he noted that at one time there were as many as 93,000 visitors annually, but that number was now down to 50,000.

In his inaugural State of Tourism address to the nation on January 23, Minister of Tourism, Carlos James reported that the Yachting sector recorded growth of 43 per cent in 2023.