The Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (YSATT) have been campaigning hard to seek an exemption to the closed borders to allow cruisers to shelter in Trinidad this hurricane season. Unfortunately, the outcome of their meeting with Government Ministers was a resounding “not at this time”, a great disappointment for the cruising community and local yachting businesses in Trinidad alike.

Published 4 years ago

Announcement from YSATT:

For any cruising boats hoping to come to Trinidad:

Tuesday afternoon (09 June, 2020) YSATT (President Tommy Johnson, Board Members Salisha Sooprali and Jesse James) met with the Minister of National Security Stewart Young and the Minister of Finance Colm Imbert.

The meeting was cordial and they gave an honest hearing to the plight of the Yachting Industry proposal and our concerns. Our Proposal was found to be of a very high standard and all protocols and systems were also found to be well poised and set to accept incoming cruisers whenever they give us the ok. The Chief Medical Officer acknowledgement of our Proposal was also highly praised. Our home work done was well received.

However, it is with a sad heart that we must tell you that the latest proposal to seek an exemption to the closed borders to allow cruisers to shelter in Trinidad has failed.

The Ministers position is that they must give priority to their own citizens who are begging to come home from all over the world. The medical professionals and WHO who have been directing the response to Covid-19 , which have proven to be a success thus far, are insisting that all people returning to Trinidad and Tobago must be considered as carriers of the virus and they will only admit the number of persons that can be accommodated and managed within the Public Health care system, as all Nationals arriving by air is going straight into state quarantine.

Everyone is now holding their breath for the next two weeks hoping and praying that there are no Covid-19 cases within the returning Nationals as they coming from all over the world where in some countries the virus is still out of control. We agree with you that most of you have been quarantined for weeks, if not months, and are free of the virus.

YSATT asked for a date to work with, but the Government Ministers were not prepared to give a date as yet. We asked for July 1st but they said for sure that will NOT be possible. So as of now NO confirmed date has been given to us to allow cruisers to come here.

Both Ministers did however request that YSATT send them a short letter and as soon as most Nationals have returned and they see there is NO further Covid-19 cases due to the influx of the incoming Nationals, they will review and reconsider our Proposal.

Their main concern is the importation of the virus and they don’t want to take ANY chances that could be detrimental to Trinidad and Tobago, considering all the already harsh measures and sacrifices the people of Trinidad & Tobago have made so far. They asked us to please understand the steps and measures the Government of Trinidad & Tobago have taken and to please try and hang on a bit longer. The issue of the hurricane season was also put forward to them for their consideration.

We have not given up. The letter was done and submitted today. We will continue to put our case before the government. Based on the meeting, we feel that the soonest possible date to get permission for cruisers to enter Trinidad is sometime after the end of the second week in July.

So, we must tell you to seek alternative places to shelter at least for the near term. I know many of you have already made alternative plans. We fully understand and hope to see you in Trinidad one day in the future.

Those who remain interested in coming to Trinidad, please contact us right away and let us know your plans.

Email: Bruce Amlicke at: bamlicke@ix.netcom.com and

CC Jesse James at: jessejamesmembersonly@yahoo.com

Also, if you have or plan to relocate let us know where you would be in July. If you have made a firm reservation with any of the yards here in Trinidad, please let them know of your change in plans.

I am very sorry to have to tell you this news.

Sincerely,

Jesse James
(1-868) 683-5202
“Members Only” Maxi Taxi Service
SSCA Cruising Station Trinidad
OCC Port Officer Trinidad
HLR Cruising Association
British High Commission Chaguaramas
US Embassy CLV Chaguaramas
YSATT Board Member
Email: jessejamesmembersonly@yahoo.com
www.membersonlymaxitaxi.com

And,

Bruce B Amlicke, SV Wild Matilda.
Email: bamlicke@ix.netcom.com

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• French Guiana: An Option for EU Yachts for Hurricane Season (11 May, 2020)
• Caribbean Marine Associations Helping Cruisers (07 April, 2020)
• COVID-19 Resources Page

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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of Noonsite.com or World Cruising Club.