“People who run the businesses can tell you, the best work in the Caribbean is in Trinidad — the best capabilities, workmanship, yards.

However, Trinidad has the worst red tape,” Trinidad and Tobago Sailing Association president Mark Loe told Business Day.

Over the past decade and a half, the yachting industry has declined hugely. Between 2000 and 2015, Trinidad experienced a 61 percent drop in yacht arrivals and for 2016 so far, yacht arrivals have fallen by a further 24 percent compared with last year. (See graph) Just checking in to the island is a hassle — visitors in yachts need to fill up almost 15 forms — sometimes in triplicate — to satisfy various Customs and Immigration regulations — including a new one on stowaway information.

“We’ve been asking for years just for them to implement a Single Harmonised Form to streamline the process.

Meanwhile, the other islands competing with us have already introduced it and some… have electronic submissions that you can submit before you dock through a Single Electronic Window.

And their Immigration officers are much more pleasant,” a spokesman for the Yachting Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (YSATT) said.

Then there’s the seemingly arbitrary way that Immigration grants approvals to for “yachties” to stay on the island.

“Usually… repair works take six months.

Immigration most of the time just stamps a yachtie’s passport for three months. After that, they have to get an extension. For whatever reason, the Immigration Office in Chaguaramas decided it doesn’t do extensions anymore and now these people need to go to in the traffic and confusion of Port-of-Spain to get their extensions,” Loe said.

“Sometimes it feels like it depends on what side of the bed the officer woke up on that day,” another industry source, who requested he not be named, said of the arbitrariness of Immigration decisions.

YSATT noted that they have been clamouring for a standardised list of the Immigration arrival and departure regulations. The Boater’s Directory, what is supposed to be the industry bible for yachties trying to navigate the industry in Trinidad, hasn’t been updated since 2015 because there is no standard.

One example is the randomness to the regulation for pleasure crafts departing after clearance has been given.

Originally it was 24 hours, Business Day was told. Then one day, the instruction became one hour.

Then four hours.

Sometimes, people aren’t even given a grace period and are told to leave immediately. Finally, the industry asked for 16 hours, and thus far, that seems to be the baseline.

As with most of our industries, Trinidad and Tobago’s lack of competitiveness seems to stem from our dependence on energy.

Other Caribbean islands, on the other hand, didn’t need energy, so they knew what they had to do to build their capacity.

Grenada, especially, has set out to carve their niche.

The general consensus from people in the industry who spoke with Business Day is that Grenada has done their homework and set out to take Trinidad’s business, specifically tackling the issues that hit Trinidad hardest — they have friendlier immigration officers, easier check in and a product that engages yachties to enjoy their time on the island while waiting on repairs.

Their products and services might not yet be up to the standards of Trinidad and Tobago, undoubtedly the best in terms of service offerings and experience, but most people agree they will get there, and it will be the death knell for Trinidad if this country doesn’t get its act together.

“They have friendlier immigration officers and more efficient services to check in. They did their homework and they set out to take Trinidad’s business because we’ve ignored our industry,” Loe said.

And then there’s the Yacht-In-Transit tax that was announced in the 2017 Budget last year.

Before, yachties with boats registered outside of Trinidad and Tobago could order equipment and have it delivered to them here without having to pay the Value Added Tax. The Budget amendment meant that this was no longer the case, meaning that if a foreign sailor bought equipment for which he had already paid taxes in his home country, he would have to pay an additional tax here.

The amendment has since been removed, but not before wreaking havoc on the industry.

“It’s a seasonal industry and people plan to be in transit for repairs months in advance. When news of that tax broke, people changed their plans. Now is supposed to be peak time and the marina is empty. There’s no business and companies are either closing or on the verge of shutting down,” Loe said.

The tax turned out to be a boon for Grenada, who had just recently announced the opening of a brand new boatyard, one of the managers at a major repair yard told Business Day. After the tax was announced he said he received up to 50 cancellations “It was such a ridiculous tax. It almost buried us,” he said.

Then there are little things, like general maintenance and getting rid of stray dogs.

“Trinidad is probably the only place you can walk for less than a mile and find every major service you need to fix your boat. Yachties have a culture of walking.

But there a barely any sidewalks, the grass is overgrown and I’ve had to pay personally for medical bills from people who needed tetanus shots from getting bitten by stray dogs,” the YSATT spokesman said.

The Government, has for its part, however, acknowledged the shortcomings of the industry, and has been in dialogue with the stakeholders — notably the YSATT. Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon spoke to Business Day and said Cabinet has already approved a framework to improve the industry and draft legislation to standardise regulations.

One of the most meaningful measures is the approval of the Single Harmonised Form for Trinidad and Tobago, eliminating most of the tedious paperwork. She said some legislative changes are required for its approval, which is currently being handled by the Attorney General.

But she is hopeful the form can be officially introduced by the end of this year, and that legislation can be drafted in three months, and taken to Parliament by August next year.

Gopee-Scoon was aware of the challenges the industry is facing, but she remained hopeful that once these regulations were enacted, it could grow and become a major foreign exchange earner.

YSATT is also optimistic, even though the spokesman acknowledged that they have been making similar requests to the government for nearly 20 years. On a whole though, the people in the industry don’t seem that upbeat about the prospects.

“Grenada’s government is helping their industry, ours isn’t. That’s the reality,” the boatyard manager said.

“The industry is dying.

In fact, it’s probably dead already,” Loe added.

Sources yesterday revealed that the secretary of the JSC would be sending out requests to the three ministers to appear before the committee.

The JSC will also be summoning former chairmen of the board of the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago Christine Sahadeo and Nyree Alfonso, and former member Ferdie Ferreira.

Former transport minister Stephen Cadiz will be requested to attend.

Sources said that Michael Annisette, president general of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Union will also be invited to share information with the JSC.

The JSC, chaired by Independent Senator Stephen Crease, will also travel to Tobago to hold a similar inquiry.

At that meeting, former head of the Public Service Reginald Dumas will be given an opportunity to have his say on the ferry fiasco.

Sources also said that Andrew Purdey, vice chairman of Bridgeman’s Services Group, would be given a special invitation to tell his side of the story at the JSC inquiry when it is convenient to him.

Purdey has indicated publicly that he is willing to tell all to clear his company’s name.

When contacted, Sinanan, the Works and Transport minister, said he was willing to appear before the JSC if requested but would have to be guided on if he could attend and what he could divulge.

He said he would also be guided on if his appearance before the JSC could be a conflict of interest.

At the end of the JSC meetings, he said, the recommendations of the committee would have to be sent to him for action within a 60- day period.

Yet, although we are surrounded by the sublime, we somehow manage to reduce it to squalor. A lack of a sense of pride might be the reason for this. Quite noticeable too, is the way we undervalue our capacity to rank among the best in the world. Although success has been proven time and again, in a range of disciplines – sport, the arts, science and technology, medicine and literature – we remain sceptical.

Trinidad and Tobago will celebrate 55 years of Independence, next week. Apart from Dr Eric Williams, our founding fathers include other esteemed individuals such as Sir Ellis Clarke, Lionel Seukeran and Rudranath Capildeo. Their endeavour in negotiating the terms of our Independence Concordat at Marlborough House, stands as a testimony to their patriotism and foresight.

The landmark year was 1962, and a new nation was being birthed. We embraced our national flag, with each colour symbolising our rich potential. We welcomed our watch words, Discipline, Production and Tolerance and our Coat of Arms was emblazoned with our national birds, the Cocrico and the Scarlet Ibis.

Today in 2017, the Ibis is under threat by a small group of poachers who hunt the bird as a delicacy. In some instances, it is said to be much sought-after fare at upscale social gatherings. Recent reports signal that although the populations are relatively stable, the status of the ibis can change to ‘endangered’ if no action is taken to deter, fi ne or punish illegal hunters. Sadly, the Caroni Swamp appears to be anything but a sanctuary for our national bird! Shades of a similar negligent attitude were reflected in a local event group’s flagrant disregard for the environment, when their beach bonfire in Blanchisseuse ended in the destruction of approximately 100 turtle hatchlings. In no way does this destructive or wilfully ignorant mindset augur well for progress as a nation.

Trinidad and Tobago has been batt ling the fallout of severely decreasing revenue from our traditional foreign exchange earners in the oil and gas sector. There is broad consensus that new ways of restructuring our economy to achieve future sustainability, must be pursued.

Economic transformation and diversification have now become a necessity, and it would serve us well to stop paying mere lip service to the endeavour, that is, if we are to preserve a decent quality of life for generations to come.

While we have commercialised some of our local heritage sites and attractions, we have merely scratched the surface with respect to exploit ng our natural treasures to derive new revenue streams. Given the examples cited earlier, about our scarlet ibis and leatherback turtle, our attitudes and mindsets indicate that there is much work to be done before we make that much needed shift .

While complacency abounds in far too many quarters, our cocoa beans are being rated as world class; our athletes are doing wonders for our international profile; and visitors are coming from all over the globe to experience the sunset roosting ritual of the scarlet ibis at the Caroni Bird Sanctuary.

And there is much more. A fundamental question remains, however: what more would it take for us to harness the value of all that is uniquely ours, in a way that secures and guarantees our sustainability well into the future?

Guaya, the only unbeaten team left in League One, have a seven-point gap over FC Santa Rosa, who pipped neighbours University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT ) 2-1.

At the Defence Force Ground in Chaguaramas, the visitors took the lead through striker Carlon Hughes, before veteran defender Corey Rivers equalised in the 30th.

Former national defender Glenton Wolfe restored Guaya’s lead with a 60th minute penalty, while Hughes notched his second goal in the 72nd. Defence Force’s Michael Edwards reduced the deficit to 3-2 in the 88th but Guaya maintained their slim advantage until the final whistle.

Santa Rosa got a crucial victory at the UTT O’Meara Campus Ground, Arima, courtesy of items from Rashad Griffith (35th minute penalty) and Nathan Julien (70th).

Shaquille Smith was on target for the hosts, in the 32nd, before Santa Rosa responded in emphatic fashion.

In another League One fixture, Cunupia FC registered a 3-2 victory over Queen’s Park at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima.

An own goal from Jamal Spencer, after eight minutes, put Queen’s Park ahead before Cunupia replied with strikes from Stevon Stoute (11th) and John Stewart (50th).

Devon Modeste scored the second goal for the Parkites, in the 60th, but Stewart netted the winner, for Cunupia, in the 79th.

At the Canaan/Bon Accord Recreation Ground, 1976 Phoenix FC responded from a half-time deficit to spank Siparia Spurs 4-1. Marlon Phillip scored on the stroke of halftime for Siparia, but Phoenix stormed back in the second half, with strikes from Akil Frank (49th), Shelton Williams (67th), Lejandro Williams (72nd) and Dave Grimshaw (90th).

In a meeting of the cellar-placed outfits, Club Sando Moruga and Bethel FC battled to a 2-2 draw at the Grand Chemin Recreation Ground, Moruga.

Andrew Samuel (second) and Jessie Edwards (34th) were the goal-getters for Club Sando Moruga while Teejay Cadiz (13th) and Nikosei Chance (30th) scored for Bethel FC.

And, at the WASA Ground in St Joseph, hosts WASA and Police played to a goalless draw.

The top of the table League Two clash, at the Edinburgh 500 Recreation Ground in Chaguanas, between Prisons FC and Central 500 Spartans was cancelled on Saturday, while fifth-placed Petit Valley/Diego Martin United swapped spots with Youth Stars in the points standings after a 2-0 win (over Youth Stars) at the Roxborough Complex.

Erick Charles netted both goals for Petit Valley/Diego Martin United, in the 37th and 86th.

Harlem Strikers defeated Marabella FCC by a 2-1 margin, at the Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre. Neon O’Garro scored twice for Harlem, in the eighth and 30th, while Husani Thomas pulled one back for Marabella, in the 86th.

Weekend Fixtures – League Two (Saturday) – Petit Valley/Diego Martin United vs Marabella FCC, Diego Martin North Secondary School Ground; Prisons vs Perseverance Ball Runners, YTC Ground, Arouca, 4 pm; Harlem Strikers vs Central 500 Spartans, Frederick Settlement Recreation Ground, 6 pm.

League One (Sunday) – Club Sando Moruga vs Guaya United, Grand Chemin Recreation Ground, Moruga; Queen’s Park vs Bethel United, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field; Siparia Spurs vs Defence Force, Fyzabad Petrotrin Sports Club Ground; FC Santa Rosa vs Cunupia FC, Arima Velodrome; Police vs 1976 Phoenix FC, St James Barracks, 4 pm; WASA vs UTT , WASA Ground, St Joseph, 4.30 pm.

Earlier this month, James revealed startlingly low occupancy rates of 34% for hotels and 25% for guesthouses, compared to 67% reported regionally.

Kaye Trotman, President of the Tobago Unique Bed and Breakfast & Self Catering Association (TUBBSCA) says the crisis has been especially difficult to bear for her membership.

“With the troubling issues on the sea bridge,” Trotman explained “small properties in general have been dealt a crippling blow to their revenue earning capacity from the domestic market. We have seen our occupancy levels drastically reduced to under 20% and for small operators whose properties may range from under 5 to 15 rooms, we are taking about occupancy of under 1 to 3 rooms per month. Some properties have even experienced 0% occupancy on occasions.” While problems with transportation between the islands are not new, this holiday period has been particularly inconvenient. Trotman says “There have always been issues with the air and sea bridge that have negatively impacted Tobago tourism stakeholders and the general Tobago public.

“Efforts have been made to address these issues but we have yet to see the adoption of solutions that address the issues once and for all. The current sea bridge crisis has only served to worsen the declining trend we have been experiencing in the tourism industry in recent years.” The TUBBSCA President says the situation is becoming more dire by the day.

“With the current sea bridge woes, most tourism operators have been literally cut-off at the knees” she said. “Some are facing the wrath of the financial institutions (banks) who are showing little empathy for their clients’ situation during these trying times and have shown limited willingness to work with them on instituting “situational” solutions in response to prevailing circumstance.” Asked about a possible government mediation between the banks and the affected Tobago businesses, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley did not offer much in a way of a solution.

“I would not be the one to commit to talk to the banks because banks are very difficult to talk to,” he said after a stakeholder meeting on Monday. “However,” he continued, “in managing the business of the country the banks have clients and without clients there’s no bank and if their clients are experiencing temporary hardships I’m sure that any good banker will want to keep his or her client alive so that they can live to fight another day.” Given that the ferry situation has been laid squarely at his administration’s feet, the Prime Minister was also quizzed on the possibility of financial compensation to offset losses incurred during the first two quarters of 2017.

“I don’t know about compensation,” Dr Rowley said. “When you are in the business world there are certain knocks that come your way and if the Government can make any action that will bring about some amelioration to the losses or to the discomfort the Government will but I wouldn’t here commit to any compensation.” The matter of a moratorium on the 10% tax Tobago hoteliers pay was also raised in the stakeholders meeting.

Dr Rowley was again cautious when approaching questions about a possible grace period, “It is something I would have to raise with the Minister of Finance who also has other kinds of crises to deal with.” He said hoteliers were privy to other governmental considerations “and it’s against that background… it was felt at the time (the) tax was imposed that hoteliers need to make their contribution even though they were having some difficulty. Like other citizens, they need to make that 10% contribution so as to ensure that they are not getting a free ride because the Government put a number of things in place which only they benefit from.

“But given that they have got this extra hardship, which is not of their doing and it also has the effect of damaging the contribution they can make to the economy, we’ll want to consider what relief we can give but I wouldn’t want to commit to that until I speak to the Minister of Finance to see where he’s at and where we are at.” The government has had to shoulder the blame for the fiasco which has also affected its own plans to stimulate the local economy.

“Over the past 12 years we have seen a steady decline in international tourist arrivals to Tobago which stakeholders have attributed to limited effective destination marketing and non-stop airlift to the island. Most operators became dependent on the domestic market to keep them afloat,” Trotman says.

“Even with the “Stay to Get Away” programme by the Ministry of Tourism over the July-August period, customer interest cannot be converted because of the unreliability of the inter-island transport options.” Travellers continue to be left stranded at both ANR Robinson International and the Scarborough Port, a situation that serves as a potent deterrent for domestic tourists. On Tuesday, just one day after the Prime Minister’s meeting with stakeholders, passengers scheduled to travel from Tobago to Trinidad on the 6 am sailing of the TT Express were forced to wait some 11 hours after the vessel experienced electrical issues. Some frustrated passengers tried to get a flight off the island, causing some chaos at the Arthur NR Robinson airport. The Express eventually left the Scarborough Port at about 5:15pm. Passengers sailing from Trinidad to Tobago later in the day also experienced delays.

Trotman said her membership has always weathered what she described as “less than stellar service” from the entities meant to serve the island’s transportation needs. In a recent television interview Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) President, Gregory Aboud had some sharp comments about the issue.

While she took umbrage to some of his remarks regarding Tobago’s contribution to the country, Trotman said Aboud highlighted a lingering issue.

“Mr Aboud’s comments signal the need for urgent and comprehensive constitutional reform and institutional changes that would allow for the dynamics of a relationship between the islands of Trinidad and Tobago that would yield greater benefits, economic and otherwise, to the individual islands and the union.” In the interim she believes definite action is needed to address deficiencies in the administrations of the agencies responsible for ensuring the continuity of the sea bridge’s operations.

“The buck must stop somewhere.

Since these parties are the ones with the legitimate authority to address the issues with the sea bridge they must be held accountable for the discharge of their duties and responsibility in this dilemma.”

About 30 residents from the corporations are expected to be trained to make houses safer. On Tuesday, the groups and Member of Parliament for Couva South, Rudranath Indarsingh, launched the initiative at Windsor Park, California.

The chamber’s president Liaquat Ali said his organisation is not only business oriented but also cater to the interest of citizens.

“We are not only here to take, we give back. We do not only represent the interest of business, we represent the interest of citizens. In recent times, and with the passing of Tropical Storm Bret, it was only fitting to educate the people how they can secure their homes at minimal cost,” Ali added.

The training sessions are expected to take place at the chamber’s building at Couva. It is his hoped that such an initiative can be extended “to the length and breath of T&T” with on-site demonstrations.

Indarsingh commended the corporation for being part of the initiative saying the disaster management unit (DMU) of the corporation has been very proactive in dealing with weather patterns which have affected people in their area.

Chairman Henry Awong beamed that the corporation was first to set up its emergency operation centre under the guidance of Dr Ravi Ramnath.

“We do what we have to do at the DMU and we continue to do it on a professional basis,” Awong said.

Manager (business development and marketing) of Sagicor Lisa Mahabir said the company was pleased to be part of the initiative.

It was a proactive approach in increasing awareness in our community, Mahabir said.

However checks yesterday on the Parliament’s website showed, this JSC is yet to confirm September 4 as its date to hold its hearing. As of yesterday, the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Bill, 2016 JSC is the first committee that will hold any kind of meeting in September.

This JSC will meet in camera at Tower D on September 5 from 10 am. After that, the Human Rights, Equality and Diversity JSC meets in camera on September 8 at Tower D from 10 am.

A new and more spectator friendly course has been adopted where swimmers will have to navigate a one-lap one kilometre circuit. This will ensure that spectators can get a better view of the race with more action closer to the shoreline.

The Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT ) has been hosting open water events annually since 1962 and according to the World Open Water Swimming Association, the event is one of the longest running in the Americas.

There will be four races featured this year and some changes in the course distances. The day will start with a 5,000m race at 8 am. The 750m course for 12-and-under has now been increased to 1,000m, while a new 13-and-over 1,000m race has been introduced to encourage more participation by seniors who may not favour the longer distance.

The 1,000m races start at 10 am.

The last race will be the 3,000m which replaces the 2,750m swim.

This race gets underway at 11 am. The races continue to attract a wide demographic from recreational to competitive swimmers, and from as young as six years to senior athletes over 70 years of age. There are many special age group trophies catering for the wide spectrum of competitors.

In 2016, the junior 750m race was won by Nikoli Blackman of Marlins Swim Club.

Blackman won the inaugural 12-13 age group 3K event at CCCAN Championships at Turtle Beach in June this year.

World Juniors-bound Kael Yorke won the 2,650m course on the male side, while multiple regional medallist Jada Chatoor won the female division. In the 5K, Graham Chatoor was the male victor, while Chisara Santana topped the female athletes.

Registration is now open and can be accessed via ASATT ’s website www.swimtt.com.

The deadline to register is 6 pm on September 13.

The injunction was granted on Monday by Justice Margaret Mohammed in the Port of Spain High Court in response to an application filed by the Office of the Attorney General in an attempt to have the money recovered.

Private Josimar Belgrave and corporal Jason Richards, through their attorneys Stephen Wilson and Alvin Pariagsingh filed an application yesterday before Mohammed to be heard on the granting of the injunction.

The judge granted the attorneys time to file affidavits in response and adjourned the matter. The application to strike out the injunction is expected to be heard by Justice Ricky Rahim.

State attorney Gilbert Peterson SC submitted that legal costs for the injunction, which was granted in the absence of the soldiers and their attorneys, should be paid by the soldiers.

However, Pariagsingh contended the costs of ex-parte injunctions ought to be dealt with at the end of the hearing of the injunction and not before.

Wilson said since the application for the injunction was made without the accused being present, the costs should be borne by the State.

On Saturday, Denoon’s hat-trick led Morvant Elements to a 5-1 win over Harvard. Denoon is the son of former national stand-out Nevick Denoon and nephew of Morvant Elements manager/coach Clyde Denoon, who also played for the national team. Akius Joseph and Brian Wallace also scored for Morvant Elements, while Nikyiel Dublin got a consolation goal for Harvard.

New clubs Cantaro United played a pulsating match against Paramin Scholars in a 4-4 thriller in the championship division, while Miscellaneous Laventille United and Cultural Roots both won their matches playing for the first time in the premier division. Laventille beat Queens Park 5-3, while Cultural Roots defeated Carenage United 2-1.

The NFA league season continues this weekend with nine matches at the Queen’s Park Savannah.

ROUND ONE RESULTS: CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION St Ann’s All Stars 4 (Keith Williams 9th, 41st, Matthaeus Granger 63rd, 67th) vs BHB8 Police Youth Club 2 (Akim James 27th, Isaiah Primus 38th); Trendsetter Hawks 3 vs Barataria Warriors 2; Patna/River Estate FC 5 (Asim James 14th, Daniel Gibbs 45th, Nicholas Alexander 55th, Akel Laborde 75th, Akeel Superville 88th) vs Malvern FC 1 (Matthew Cox 82nd); Morvant Elements 5 (Michael Denoon 8th, 57th, 85th, Akius Joseph 40th, Brian Wallace 60th) vs Harvard 1 (Nikyiel Dublin 65th); Paramin Scholars 4 (Tevin Alexander 6th, Negus Alleyne own goal 39th, Mackesi Quashie 59th, Kevon Rigault 63rd) vs Cantaro United FC 4 (Darrel John 1st, 18th, Joshua Isaac 21st, Hakeem Phillip 50th).

PREMIER DIVISION RSSR 2 (Tyrick Simon 29th, Hakeen Wilson 64th) vs Belmont FC 1 (Kareem Davidson 61st); Cultural Roots 2 (Christon Freitas 13th, Kendall Garcia 72nd) vs Carenage Utd 1 (Dorian Rullow 55th own goal); Step by Step Maple 1 (Lekion Elie 85th) vs St Francois Nationals 1 (Jared Harry 12th); Miscellaneous Laventille Utd 5 (Lyndon Ferguson 3rd, 35th, Qualanson Archibald 20th, 90th, Nickomi Griffith 84th) vs QPCC 3 (Vladimar Henderson-Suite 74th, Ashim Pierre 79th, 81st).