by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): At the Labour Party’s Town Hall Meeting on August 01, 2023, Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson addressed public claims, which suggests that the Government is trying to prevent small business owners from applying their trade in specific areas in St. Kitts.
Henderson admonished small business owners to adhere to the laws under the Prescribed Areas Act, highlighting that the Government does not have any ill intent against anyone trying to make a living.
“I’ve seen a lot of chatter about the Government wanting to keep down the small man. The industry is governed by policies, procedures and legislation, law. If we wish to make those changes, then we would need to change the law; but we cannot be seen to be breaking the law. For example, you cannot just go and set up in Frigate Bay. You must apply for permission. If you apply for permission and it’s refused, there is a process as well, but you certainly just cannot go and set up within what we call a prescribed area under the Prescribed Areas Act, which is in place since 1996, even before I even dreamt of being the Minister. That Act governs and regulates the areas. You cannot go up on Timothy Hill to the top and put up your grill. Nobody is trying to take a dollar out of your mouth, but there are rules.”
Henderson said the Ministry of Tourism is open to working with all its stakeholders and offering the necessary assistance and guidance where necessary.
The Ministry and Department of Tourism spearheaded a series of Stakeholders Consultations before the start of the Tourism season, geared towards enhancing the overall visitors’ experience to St. Kitts and Nevis.
Traditionally, the Tourism season in St. Kitts and Nevis runs from November to April, but Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson is optimistic that the country can upgrade into a year-round tourist destination if all stakeholders work together.
