Comment history

BayBreeze says...

Thank you - The Bahamas needs good boaters - enjoy!

BayBreeze says...

Greetings Wally Moran, I googled your name + sailing and it came back "blow hard with a inflated ego" Obviously Mr Carey's insensitive comments struck a nerve. However, I doubt you gave any thoughtful consideration regarding the genesis of his remarks. Why would he even say such a thing?
A cruiser of your vast experience would understand that water quality can be degraded by black and gray water discharges, fisheries can be depleted by excessive taking, living coral can be damaged by anchoring and groundings, and ill-manners are not the sole province of landlubber tourists.

Perhaps rather than taking umbrage you might consider using your high platform and unparalleled experience to contribute to positive results rather than threatening retribution to a whole nation over a callous remark of one Bahamian. It would be a shame to impugn the country and dissuade future cruisers from enjoying the hospitality of the Bahamian people and bounty of the beautiful archipelago.

The Bahamas overwhelmingly welcomes visitors and survives through tourism. The Bahamas depends on tourism and as such, tourism is the foundation for advancing environmental protection, conservation of lands and waters, and promotion sustainable uses. Yet the for same reason, bad players often get a "free pass" for their abuse the hospitality by not respecting local regulations, customs, and common courtesy. Most often to protect the tourism prestige, tourist violators are conferred deferential consideration.
You may be aware that the BNT has made remarkable progress in advancing conservation in the Bahamas and faces many challenges as a developing nation. Mr. Carey's faux pas aside, I truly believe that cruisers are wholeheartedly welcomed and valued in The Bahamas, and by the BNT. It is recognized the many sailors and motor yacht cruisers substantially impact the economy, especially in family islands as well as contribute time and funds to many worthwhile causes.

You are uniquely qualified to resolve any misconception regarding international visitors coming to The Bahamas on boats, and what condescension is necessary to ameliorate this cruising crisis. If you are not already a member of the National Trust, I'd encourage you to join to support stewardship of the nation's natural resources which you have enjoyed in the past. As a sage of great sea wisdom, I trust you will continue to use your acumen for the greater good.

Perhaps our wakes will cross and I'll be pleased to buy you a cold Sands!

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BayBreeze says...

Perhaps the comments were ill-advised and hurtful to good boaters and cruisers. I would hope folks who are upset with Mr. Carey's comments consider that there are bad boaters and outright pirates exploiting Bahamian resources with no economic benefit to the economy of the Bahamas and no respect for the marine environment. Day trippers and weekend cruisers may not be the problem in the Exumas, but Bimini, Cal Sal, and Bahama Banks are looted by folks who do not pay fees, clear customs, or spend a dime in The Bahamas. This is a link to a story about this kind of exploitation exposed, not by the Defense Force, US Customs and Immigration, or The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, but by a Sheriff on a spot safety check:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/…

Given the importance of all tourism, It is obvious why The Bahamas does not want to crack down on those who illegally exploit resources and disrespect the sovereignty of the nation. Perhaps the words were ill advised, but good cruisers who obey the law, respect the environment, support the economy and contribute their time should know that there are bad players who taint the boating community with their imprudent actions. To those moochers, I concur with Mr. Carey's original sentiment - the Bahamas is better off with out them!