TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums General Caribbean Jet Ski's on Anguilla

Anguilla is considering lifting its long time ban on jet ski's.
The Anguilla Hotel and Tourist Association is asking the public to voice their opinion. It does not have to be a wordy email - a simple yay or nay would suffice. If you want to write more, then by all means do so.
Please take a minute to send an email to

ahta@anguillanet.com

It would be a big help.
Thanks,
Ellen
(Carol - hope this is ok to post, if not, I understand)

No problem with the post. I assume, without knowing, that a lot of long time Anguilla visitors would be in opposition to a lifting of the ban.

Oh, everyone is writing and trying to stop it.
Thank you for allowing the post Carol.
Ellen

No problem. To me, the typical Anguilla visitor and jetskis don't seem to jibe.

Post sent but please say it isn't so......not on Anguilla. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Thank you Pat, the Anguilla Hotel and Tourist Association sent a long letter to the Government of Anguilla today, asking them to not approve the bill. It was signed by all members of the board and was sent snail mail and email to the GOA. Hopefully, they will come to their senses and realize this is not for Anguilla.
Ellen

It's not for anybody. Wish they didn't allow them on Biscayne Bay. They go faster than speed limit and bay is shallow and has so much wildlife in it, including manatees in season.
Breaks my heart to see them racing around.
irina

sent email.
irina

Thanks Irina. There is a long thread on www.axaspeaks.com about it, with the majority of people totally against it. Of course, there are a few contrarians, but basically, no one thinks jet skis are a good idea.
The vote is Sept 24, fingers crossed.
Ellen

And you'll let us know the outcome of the vote, right?

Thanks, Ellen, for letting the people here know about this up-coming situation since we may not be able to help too much, but it sure can't hurt to let the controlling governmental powers know how their vacationers feel about them. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Yep - I sure hope Anguilla can escape becoming a Jet Ski island. Ellen definitely lets know how it turns out.

They found out yesterday the date in the bill was wrong, it was supposed to be October 24. Keep sending those letters, every "no" is a vote for the environment and "tranquility wrapped in blue".
Thanks,
Ellen

Related page on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/ANGUILLAJETSKI?fref=nf

Thank you Pete. Anyone on Facebook, please like and share the page.
Thanks,
Ellen

Online petition:

http://www.change.org/p/government-of-an...e_id=kcNzZgQlJq

Unfortunately, I am hearing this is a done deal, palms have been greased and operators have jet ski's sitting in their garages waiting to operate. :-(

This has nothing to do with tourism, and everything to do with corruption and buying young voters. Huge mistake.

Horrible. I am terribly disappointed. Those things are horrible.
irina

Well, I am hoping I am wrong, but I am not optimistic. Elections are coming up, and this will provide "jobs", which is what they sorely need. But, at what expense? Will the few jobs pay for the tourists they will lose? They had the first of four townhall meetings last night and the turnout was dismal.
Ellen

How are they losing tourists because of lack of jet skis?
That is one of the things we liked best about Anguilla. Their self awareness about things like that.
Too bad changes in government but that's the way it is. Was the old PM the one with the very attractive wife who did tourism ads? Cause he's gone!
??
irina

Some people feel that there is not enough to do on Anguilla and this is why they do not get a lot of tourists, there is no shopping, no entertainment, no "fun" things, just beaches and restaurants. Some believe if they bring in younger activities, they will attract more families and a younger crowd. Some say the young people have lots of disposable income, but do not come to Anguilla because there is "nothing to do". Personally, the peace and quiet, great beaches, no crowds and wonderful restaurants are the reason we go to Anguilla. We can get noise and crowds anywhere, we don't shop and we certainly are not interested in casinos! I hope it doesn't change much, a local told me 20 years ago SXM looked like Anguilla.

So far with 2 meetings it is an overwhelming no.....last night's meeting there where lots of young people, and also crime was discussed .....we as tourists have no say in what the Government does in Anguilla.....we banned them years ago on the beach where I live.....even though I have enjoyed them, they do not belong in tourist destinations....
kate

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />

Nor do they belong in nature parks and areas where a serious effort is being made to protect and preserves the waters and all that's in it.

Great letter to the editor in this week's paper:

http://theanguillian.com/2014/10/letter-to-the-editor-98/

Hope those who read the paper turn out for the meetings.
There is hope!

That was a good letter.

I just can't believe they are still considering this as a viable business opportunity for Anguilla.

Can't speak for anyone else (and wouldn't presume to....) but the reason we give up some of our already paid for SXM time and come to Anguilla during our annual SXM TRIPS, is to enjoy the tranquility there AND TO ENJOY HER PRISTINE BEACHES. Jet skis just don't figure in to that equation. Or not for me, at least.

And it's too bad these comments aren't printed out and submitted as additional testimony at the public hearings because it sounds like someone's trying to sell the idea that the tourists want these activities. NOT the ones I know, for sure.

Thanks Pat, and to everyone else...keep posting your comments, I know "they" are reading, hopefully, it will sink in. "They" think it is a few entitled tourists who want to hold back Anguilla from progress, "they" do not get the idea that peace and quiet is the reason we go to Anguilla. We can easily go to HI - 5 hrs direct flight, and be on a pristine beach, 5 (or less) hrs to MX - same thing, but nothing holds a candle to the peace, beauty and tranquility of Anguilla. I hope they come to their senses.

Regardless of the possible "viable business opportunity", here is what I do not understand:

If the purpose is to attract new, possibly younger and affluent tourists. Then just jet skis are not the answer to the problem. People will not make a choice on a destination just because there is the availability of jet skis. I don't think I have ever heard of a person saying "I want to go to an island destination that has jet skis as the priorty".

They will ask about the availability of "water sports", but that will be far down the list from their primary requirements for a destination. To attract a new group of tourist you need more other capabilities (shopping, restaurants, hotels, villas, etc and even at a reasonable price). It is not like you are going to a destination to be on a jet ski 24/7 -- you are going to the destination for many other factors.

Without the other options in place there is no more of an incentive to choose Anguilla over the many choice already available. So jet skis alone will not drive new tourist to the island.

Will jet skis be rented if available? That answer is yes, without question. But if the question is: Will jet skis alone bring in a new set of tourists and their dollars, then that answer is no. All it will really do is move the money from one part of the tourist industry on the island to another part of the tourist industry on the island, so a net change of zero. If you think about it, even in your own situation, generally you have some sort of budget for your vacation. That budget is not going the change just because there are now jet skis available. So if the budget does not change, then there is no new money being spent, just a change on where it is being spent.

If the idea is to generate new tourist, then the other areas need to be looked and planned and build first.

Eric, what a thoughtful post, I wish the powers that be would think it through in this manner.
Rob Peter to pay Paul is not the solution.
Thanks for taking the time.
Ellen

What is being left out of the equation is the very real possibility that Anguilla will actually lose tourists if this ban is lifted.

People here (and other places) are saying that, yes. Not sure anyone is listening.

Thus my point about leaving St. Maarten and my already paid for timeshare accommodations and coming to Anguilla where I have to pay again for the privilege to stay there. But for the joy and pleasure of the pristine and serene beaches of Anguilla and it's total change of pace from SXM, I do so gladly for a few days. The sounds and sights of jet skis would interfere with that serenity and would definitely not call me back. But that's just me...... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Pat, if the jet ski ban is overturned, the places allowed are no where near where you stay......Crocus Bay...Long Bay...Forest Bay...Road Bay...
I believe there are some young people on the Island that have asked for jet skis for some time....as young people, they should have their voices heard.
Also there are some very large yachts that come in to AXA waters and use jet skis, I see this as being very unfair as I am sure the young folks see this as well.
I sure hope this never passes, but if it does, we all have our choices.kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />

That's interesting, the large yachts using jet skis now--it's still illegal, isn't it? They just get away with it, because they have money?

If they do allow them, as long as the requirement is that they are all newer models only, then most people won't even notice them. They make less noise than most boats.

Got it, Kate, and thanks for the reminder. Sadly, we're probably going to be looking for new digs next trip so will keep that in mind.

I hear you about the local kids wanting the jet skis - they are fun - and it is their island - but I just so hate the things people often do on them be it here on our local lakes or in St. Maarten on some of the more populated beaches. People can and do get hurt using them.

As far as the mega yachts getting away with using them, I'm sure that's the case - they're just getting away with it and no one's about to stop some from doing whatever they choose when they think it's their right to do so, regardless of laws to the contrary. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Big money......

Seems to me there was a Flyboarding demonstration as well last year.....we had one at our beach in the summer, they were told to leave, as we have outlawed jet skis.....but it did look like fun.

I have no idea what would be done if there are injuries, the hospital is in a sad state and no blood bank....the insurance for renting these things will be sky high.....also travelers insurance does not cover extreme sports....kate
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />

Anyone who believes that the jet skis will be confined to any one (or four) specific area is incredibly naive.

Totally agree Pete, in looking at the maps, seems as if they will be free to roam the whole north coast. I shudder to think about them rounding the corner from Long Bay to Meads where there are usually a bunch of snorkelers. If the ban is overturned that will be an accident waiting to happen.

I do a lot of snorkeling & have to worry about the Cap J boat and the Franki boat.....they come up on to Shoal Bay so fast with music blaring over the reefs and take up a fair amount of beach.....then still leave the music on.....not nice.....kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />