The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Association of Bahamas Marinas has seen the number of boat thefts cut “almost in half”, with similar success regarding the return of stolen vessels.

Stephen Kappeler, its president, said information sharing via the Association’s Facebook page has helped to raise awareness and curb the problem, with “thefts almost in half and, of those taken, more than 50 per cent returned”.

He acknowledged that more work remains to be done, especially in Abaco, where almost half of all thefts still occur.

Basil Smith, consultant to the Association of Bahamas Marinas, told Tribune Business: “We have had some success with the boat theft issue,and sharing of information is key to that.

“Members have decided to share information not only on the theft of boats, but also identify persons convicted of boat thefts so as to prevent them from going from island community to island community with impunity.

“That has helped to curtail the problem to some extent but, of course, given the country’s geography and the persistence of the perpetrators, it is a problem that will persist but there has been some control.”

Mr Smith said the Association plans to launch its website next year for visitors interested in boating and sports fishing in the Bahamas.

The Association also recently expressed relief that Prime Minister Christie had ended speculation over a proposed $2.1 billion Chinese agri- fisheries joint venture on Andros.

The Prime Minister recently said the proposal would be “rejected outright” if such a plan came before Cabinet, following weeks of public outrage and debate over the issue.