National

Abaco Chief Councillor: Boat Fee Hike is Really Ridiculous

ABACO, BAHAMAS – Boaters in the Family Islands not too happy about a major jump in boat licensing fees. The Hope Town Abaco chief councillor says it’s affecting livelihoods.

Published

1 year ago

September 13, 2023

Jameelha Missick

ABACO, BAHAMAS – Boaters in the Family Islands not too happy about a major jump in boat licensing fees. In a one-on-one with our Jameelha Missick, the Hope Town Abaco chief councillor tells us that the fees are affecting livelihoods.

Imagine paying less than $50 to license your boat, to having to pay more than $700, thats the plight of boaters in the family islands who say the new fees are just too costly.

Chief Councillor for the Hope Town District Council, Jeremy Sweeting telling Our News that previously the licensing fee for a 20ft boat was $20.

But now that number has skyrocketed to $775 including an inspection fee. It’s a jump he says most boaters are not too happy about.

And with no reason given for the price hike, Sweeting says it is affecting their business.

The chief councillor says after consulting with the boating community, they’ve come up with recommendations and are hopeful that the exorbitantly high fees will be lowered sooner rather than later.