The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Abaco’s tourism industry is being undermined by the island’s growing reputation as “the boat theft capital of the Bahamas”, top private sector executives warned yesterday.

Dennis Lightbourne, the island’s Chamber of Commerce president, told Tribune Business that boat thefts in the Abacos have been a “serious and ongoing” concern, creating the impression that it was an unsafe boating destination.

  “All of the resort operators, marina operators, cottage renters; pretty much everyone involved with the second home and tourist market here on Abaco, is very concerned about the boat thefts,” Mr Lightbourne said.

“We are developing a reputation of being an unsafe boating destination. For years we have looked to build Abaco as the boating capital of the Bahamas, and yet if we become the boat theft capital of the Bahamas that doesn’t bode well for us,”

 He added: “I think this needs to be given serious attention by police. I think the police need to go to the marina operators and  get their take. I think the people who are in the industry here in Abaco have ideas and have brought up solutions.

“I would like to see a meeting between the police and concerned parties on Abaco, and come up with a solution.

“This is now the talk of the boating community. Our guests are realising that they have to take extreme measures with their boats. There is talk of locking your boats, and  tracking devices, and it takes away from the relaxed atmosphere. They think they can come down here and chill, and then they come and have to worry about theft.”

    North Abaco MP, Renardo Curry, earlier this week said he feared the destruction of Abaco’s tourism market as a boat theft ring continues to thrive “at an all time high”. Mr Curry said a recent boat theft victim was the son of the Miami Dolphins owner, Stephen Ross.

Molly McIntosh, assistant general manager/sales manager at the Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina, said: “There have been a couple of boat thefts in Abaco and they really do hurt business.  I cannot imagine what the people stealing the boats are thinking, as they are hurting everyone in Abaco and in the Bahamas as a whole.

“They themselves and their families will surely suffer if boat thefts become common.   We have been fortunate that we haven’t had any thefts from our resort in recent years.  People are taking precautions, and so are we.   

“Most of the boats that come to us have security measures installed, and we have some security things in place here at the Green Turtle Club.  It is the rare instance that a potential  guest will ask about boat thefts, but when they do we have to be honest  and advise them to take measures to protect their boats while they are here.”

Ms McIntosh added: “Crime on the whole is not the norm here and we are determined to keep it that way so that our guests feel safe, and can relax and enjoy their families and friends. 

“I am glad that our MP, Renardo Curry, is talking about the issue, and hope that the Abaco police will be supported in their efforts to deter crime.”