“Years Later We’re Still Waiting on Our Ramp on Goodman’s Bay”

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The spotlight is on the local water sports industry this week, but for the wrong reasons.

The United States Embassy in New Providence is once again warning U.S. residents visiting The Bahamas to be careful when engaging with local water sports operators. The embassy issued a security alert on Monday.

But jet ski operators tell us that there is another issue they feel should be of utmost importance.

Pedro Bannister – Owner, Pedro’s Water Sports

“Well, you know, in this industry we are dealing with trucks and trailers. They promised to put a nice, decent ramp here for us, but we’re still holding faith and hopefully we’ll get to that point. I know the government has been busy doing things and we are a small industry, but we would like a helping hand from them to deal with this situation. It would be easier for us.”

And that’s just what we saw.

Take a look at this owner and her workers pushing a jet ski from the entrance of the beach all the way down to the shoreline in the sun.

And it’s not the first time they’ve complained about the issue.

It’s the very same concern operators raised with me in May of last year.

Renrick Rolle Jr. – Action 242 Water Sports

“We’ve been asking them to clear the ramp for us because the sand makes it difficult to bring jet skis down every day. My company has around 15 jet skis that we have to put down every day.”

While the Ministry of Transport is committing to work with the United States on tourist safety, there has been no update on the ramp.

Pedro Bannister – Owner, Pedro’s Water Sports

“People in the industry need support because this is our business. Sometimes people come into the industry and create problems with tourists or get involved in foolishness, but not if you’re a legitimate business person.”