The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN jet ski and scooter rental companies yesterday said the latest US crime alert had not dampened what one operator described as an “exceptionally good” Spring Break.

Renwick Rolle, owner of J.R. Action Water Sports, in the industry for more than 30 years, told Tribune Business that measures initiated under the former minister of transport and aviation, Glenys Hanna Martin, had led to a significant reduction in complaints against jet ski operators.

These measures or rules, he added, prohibit male operators from riding with female guests, and female operators from riding with male guests. Greater policing by the Port Department, and self-policing by local operators, was also said to have helped curb issues affecting the industry’s reputation.

“One bad apple spoil the whole bunch, and any time something negative occurs it can give the entire industry a bad name,” Mr Rolle said. “I’m not sure if persons listen to those Spring Break advisories. It certainly hasn’t affected our business in any way whatsoever.

“I don’t think that it has affected the scooter rental business either. They come here with their minds made up to jet ski, drink rum and party. Spring break has been exceptionally good, and with Baha Mar coming on stream it has given an extra boost to the Cable Beach area.”

The March 8 advisory from the US State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security (OSAC), headlined ‘Security Alert: Nassau (The Bahamas)’, and labelled ‘Spring Break Security’, warned visiting Americans to again “avoid jet ski operators” and be careful in dealing with scooter rental companies.

The advisory said: “Jet ski operators continue to commit sexual assaults and other crimes against tourists. US Embassy personnel are instructed not to use jet ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands, including Cabbage Beach and Cable Beach. We strongly recommend you also avoid patronising jet ski rental operations.”

When it came to the scooter rental companies, the advisory warned: “Every year US citizens are killed or very seriously injured in scooter accidents. Inspect the equipment carefully and avoid old or rundown machines. Ask to see a copy of the operator’s Business License and inquire about their medical and liability insurance coverage in the event of accident or injury.”

One local scooter rental operator, speaking on condition of anonymity, argued that such advisories could give Bahamian businesses a bad reputation. “I don’t think people should be given the impression that we are being irresponsible or trying to deter visitors from patronising our business,” they said.

“The guests are the operators of these vehicles, and many times they need to be more responsible. We caution them as much as we can but, at the end of the day, it’s not all on us. Locals also have to respect persons on ATV and motorcycles. We have a lot of people who get into accidents because we have locals who are not mindful of persons on motor vehicles. “

As to the potential impact on business, the operator said: “The business is not bad, but I’m certain it can be much better if people weren’t being advised that we aren’t safe, as opposed to telling them be cautious, wear your helmets, don’t drink and drive and that sort of thing.”