Aye, aye Senator!
Cabinet has approved the application of fees for visiting and home ported pleasure craft which is intended to yield increased employment and income for Jamaica.
The Minister of Information, Senator Arthur Williams, who hosted his first post cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House last week told journalists that the proposed charges for pleasure craft are intended to stimulate and promote the growth of nautical tourism and yacht registration in Jamaica.
Minister Williams said the charges that Cabinet has approved include:
* The replacement of the current Customs Duty, Customs User Fee, Environmental Levy and General Consumption Tax on Jamaican registered yachts, below 25 feet or 8 metres, with a prescribed annual fee;
* Yachts below 25 feet or 8 metres will not be required to pay registration or safety inspection fees for the first two years after being landed;
* The introduction of a cruising permit fee under the Shipping Act to be paid by visiting foreign registered yachts.