Thursday, April 17, 2025
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Tribune Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper yesterday warned rogue jet ski operators that engaging in illicit activities threatens public safety and undermines the country’s tourism industry.
“We are clearly concerned about the perception that these entrepreneurs are providing an unsafe experience for our guests,” Mr Cooper said. “We must correct that perception. Visitors should feel safe enjoying the waters of The Bahamas without fearing harm.”
His comments followed a recent US Embassy advisory highlighting sexual assault risks associated with jet ski rentals. Among incidents mentioned was the alleged rape of a 23-year-old American woman near Junkanoo Beach. A man has since been charged in that case.
Mr Cooper urged operators to self-regulate, cautioning that those involved in criminal activities are “biting the hand that feeds them.”
“We want to signal to the world that legitimate, licenced jet ski operators stand hand-in-hand with the task force aiming to ensure a safe and profitable sector,” he said.
The Ministry of Tourism supports a task force led by the Ministry of Transport, working alongside the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Defence Force, Port Department, and Ministry of National Security to address the issue.
National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has defended a proposal for body-worn cameras for tourists and operators, saying it would improve safety and transparency.
“You only have to worry about a camera if you want to do things in secret,” Mr Munroe said. “Operators not intent on harming tourists should have no issue wearing them.”
The Ministry of Energy and Transport added that many recent incidents involved unlicensed operators. Authorities urged the public to verify operators, who can legally operate only at designated beaches, including Paradise Island, Goodman’s Bay, Long Wharf Beach, and areas behind Baha Mar and Sandals, where Port officers confirm operator credentials.
Comments
Sickened says...
This is what happens when gang members own and operate the jet ski rental businesses. You can tell the operators are scum by the way they tow their jet skis and by how they maintain the jet skis.
These fellas are like rats scurrying around our beaches looking for a piece.
Posted 17 April 2025, 11:41 a.m. Suggest removal
ExposedU2C says...
> “We are clearly concerned about the perception that these entrepreneurs are providing an unsafe experience for our guests,” Mr Cooper said.
And in response the Bahamian people say to the very corrupt Chester the Jester:
*“We are clearly concerned about the fact that this most corrupt Davis and Cooper led PLP government are providing an unsafe experience for our guests by allowing violent thugs and sexual predators with known criminal records to be engaged in personal entrepreneurial or other business endeavours involving tourists."*
And hotels and other tourist properties and businesses that do not have adequate and properly enforced policies and procedures to prevent violent thugs and sexual predators with known criminal records from being engaged in personal or business activities involving tourists should be held liable for gross negligence with appropriately high (very high!) civil damages arising the resulting harm caused to a tourist (guest).
Posted 17 April 2025, 11:53 a.m. Suggest removal
birdiestrachan says...
The ski operators are not all bad a few are giving them bad names it is true it is a means for their living guard it well
Posted 17 April 2025, 12:02 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
*Shouldn't the Exumaians'** House-seated MP and Deputy Premiership "Coop," not be Exuma Islands, Cays, Towns and Settlements proactively hopping in search of a **Gourmet Sandwiches' Makin' Lady** to be catering Exuma's Finest Sandwiches; -- should Exuma, again be picked to have another bite at hostin' a **Rebooted 242** Fyre Festival's inaugural 2025 weekends events. -- I'm not just up-posting any sometin' without some material truth. -- Yes?
Posted 17 April 2025, 1:02 p.m. Suggest removal
bogart says...
Given all the hundreds of islands, cays and all the waters, beaches and coastal areas that people frequent often that are a part of life, ----- does the Commonwealth of the Bahamas Royal Defence Force ----- or the Bahamas Royal Police Force own 1 jet ski to patrol the waters or beach areas ?
After the US President informed the Bahamian Prime Minister Dr. Minnis in 2018 ----- 8 years ago, of the dangers of the illegal jet ski incidents and harm to people, did the respective Bahamian departments acquired 1 jet ski for patrol ?
Posted 17 April 2025, 1:43 p.m. Suggest removal
Observer says...
Is there proof that 'rape' was committed?
Posted 17 April 2025, 1:48 p.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
Ask Trump if he have proof two Anericans were raped
Posted 17 April 2025, 4:36 p.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
"*urged operators to self-regulate*"
Boy. I guess this why the roads in chaos. The people in charge just interested in money makin
Posted 17 April 2025, 4:34 p.m. Suggest removal
bahamianson says...
We are beyond this Mr. Cooper. The hammer needs to come down because this is putting the reputation of the Bahamas at risk.
Posted 17 April 2025, 4:38 p.m. Suggest removal
rosiepi says...
What’s a $$$ commission working for a corrupt system going to accomplish?
Waste money.
The RBPF isn’t enforcing the law, Minister Munroe admitted that when he suggested outfitting women with body cams to record their own assaults would be easier than going about the business of his office, enforcing the law, supervising the RBPF in such a manner that they are made to carry out their duty to enforce the law.
We know from Wee Chester that employed persons are supposedly on duty on every beach where jetskis operate, watching the operators…operate illegally?!
And all the while our PM’s ears are burning, he’s started spouting wild accusations, and shaking in his Guccis knowing any day the whip is coming down from the US Attorney!
Posted 17 April 2025, 4:46 p.m. Suggest removal
pablojay says...
You really can't make this stuff up,our DPM telling illegal jet ski operators not to bite the hand that feeds them! Instead he should be telling them to try and get the best deals for their jet skis, as they wont be needing them anymore .
Posted 17 April 2025, 5 p.m. Suggest removal
truetruebahamian says...
Yes
Posted 18 April 2025, 10:09 a.m. Suggest removal
birdiestrachan says...
The headlines was misleading. And it did what it set out to do to those who can not or will not comprehend. It set them on a Rah_ Rah spin
Posted 18 April 2025, 12:15 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
Being Good Friday when news is behind was a mass shooting yesterday (Thursday) at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida. -- Yes?
Posted 18 April 2025, 12:36 p.m. Suggest removal
temptedbythefruitofanother says...
The out of control jetski thug gangs want to "self regulate"! Man, that'd be funny if it weren't so sad
How do you regulate violent criminal gangs?
Ban JetSkis in the Bahamas, there problem solved
Posted 18 April 2025, 4:10 p.m. Suggest removal
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