Talks are underway on making English Harbour a duty-free zone
The government is still considering making English Harbour a duty-free zone to drive more investment in the yachting sector. Prime Minister Gaston Browne recently hinted at these plans, indicating the aim is to ensure further growth in the country’s economy, complementing developments in other sectors.
“We’re looking at revamping our yachting program and also examining the ancillary services to see how we can enhance that sector. I’ve asked the distinguished Chairman of the National Parks, my own senator, Senator Philip Shoul, to assist us in bringing the various stakeholders together for a consultation in the next few weeks,” Browne said.
He added that transforming English Harbour into a duty-free zone will further boost the area’s profile.
“We can retain the boats here rather than having a seasonal business between December and April. If we keep the yachts here year-round, restaurants and other shops can stay open all year. Individuals who work in that sector can gain full-time employment rather than seasonal employment.”
Browne also mentioned that he has discussed this matter with other ministers and the Director of the National Parks.
“They have a maintenance program where they’re going to spend a few million dollars to reinforce the wharf wall and perform other maintenance work within the park. But we have urged them to increase their ambitions and consider approaching commercial banks to borrow about $30 million. Combined with their existing $10 million, we could invest about $40 million to include an upgrade of Shirley’s Heights and establish a cultural park.”
This story was first published by Antigua News on June 12, 2024: antigua.news/2024/06/12/talks-are-underway-on-making-english-harbour-a-duty-free-zone. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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Jezz June 12, 2024, 6:38 PM