A Motion has been passed in the Anguilla House of Assembly requiring visiting boats for the August holiday season to pay port dues at Road Bay – thus giving the Government an opportunity to raise some well-needed revenue.
The Regulations, giving effect to the Motion, provide for passengers on the boats to pay two US dollars on entering the port. They will come into force on Saturday, July 30, and will expire on Saturday, August 13. The Regulations were made by the Governor-in-Council on July 22.
The Motion was piloted through the House on Tuesday, July 25, by Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Victor Banks. The short-term revenue measure is called The Anguilla Air and Sea Port Authority (Special Port Dues) (Road Bay) Regulations 2016.
The Motion reads as follows: “Whereas the primary goal of the Anguilla Air and Sea Port Authority (AASPA) is to be self-sustaining financially as a viable body; and whereas the August festive period imposes a financial burden on AASPA for services to boats and passengers and the cleaning and maintenance of various port facilities increases; and whereas the implementation of special port dues for a specific period allows for an increase in revenue to assist in meeting the extra cost resulting from the August festive period; and whereas Section 86 of the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority Act enables the Governor-in-Council to make regulations in relation to port dues; and whereas the Governor-in-Council did make those regulations on the 22nd of July 2016; and whereas Section 86 of the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority Act provides that the regulations may not take effect until it is approved by a resolution of the House of Assembly; and whereas those resolutions are set out in the schedule hereto;
“Be it resolved that under Section 86 of the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority Act, the House of Assembly approves the regulations set out in the Schedule hereto.”
Mr. Banks said the port dues are to be collected during the period when a number of vessels visit the port from all parts of the region to participate in the summer festival event. He pointed out that this was especially the case for the August Monday Beach Party and that the visiting boats and passengers contribute to the level of merriment associated with Emancipation Day.
He explained that as a result of the visit of the boats the port requires additional support and maintenance. And that it is therefore necessary for the Anguilla Air and Sea Port Authority to have the wherewithal to ensure that the port is maintained during that period; that the area is kept clean and healthy after the boats leave or during the time they are here; and that the necessary monitoring required is done to ensure that persons arriving at the port conduct themselves consistent with the laws, regulations and standards of procedures of the port.
When the vote was taken it received the full support of the House of Assembly.
