Although the distances are different, this concept appears similar to what Australia had compiled for medical services in the outback communities. If it sounds familiar? There is a TV show on pbs "rfds: Royal Flying Doctor Services".
Much needed.

Why are you surprised? You knew the business model is based on controlling everything from the participants, to accessibility, to client's movements & ultimately the money... which rarely leaves the boat!
Everyone complains about monopolized market. Well this is the professional version, based on the Walt Disney example. This is the Cruise Industry...You only get a morsel of the banquet. Politicians drown in the visitor numbers!

Standards need to be met & maintained, as was learned by post hurricane Andrew's visit in South Florida. Contractor corner cutting with obvious crruption, with poor management of standards by contractors & government became evident; at the cost to insurance and ultimately, the owners.

These classes of vocational skill & instruction/labs should be part of all school curriculum, not just a summer camp. There should be more funding for equipment & materials to make this a practical portion of today's & tomorrow's education. Make the Investment, in addition to grants.

Nickle & dime-ing anyone to death is still death. Paying so many variations of fees is like having a meal at a good restaurant while your charged separately for the salt or pepper, the glass of water & the napkins...or even the plate & glass used!
I'm certain you won't return.
Though normally, these are included in the cost of the meal. The fact that you can enjoy the quality of the meal is imperative, without all the ridiculous decisons on miscelaneous charges.

The cruise industry allows an overview of The Bahamas for most first timers, of question is what does that entail? Higly manipulated, artificially controlled, mass experience, profit for few, burn out for emoyees; a-la Disneyworld? Or insights of The Real Bahamas?

Do you refuse your doctor when he approaches you with a thermometer or blood pressure reader? If so, this indicates ones ignorance of the purpose for the procedure. Government must educate themselves on the intent of cooperative scientific research, not assume that these institutions are automatic cash cows. Delaying approvals are a sign of narrow minded, short sighted, missed opportunity to Learn & Inform on ourcountry's only major resource... her waters.
Particularly important in these days of Global Warming & it's effects.
learn, protect & manage...insist all research is to be shared & open.

How many fire fighting equipment could be repaired or replaced by the amounts spent on government foreign travel? Once repaired, let's include professional maintenance.
Or just allow these to proceed to disrepair as the marine fleet.
I.e.: it's easier to beg for assistance than to correctly operate & maintain, hey there are many 'empty lot' mechanics that can train those interested.

I heard the government had a chance to make every other 3-5 street lights an internet WiFi hot spot, what an opportunity to have a truly effective "Smart City" access for students, for civilians and visiting tourist.
Well several years later we have the same term used for a promotion campaign.
A move forward?

Four years late? Been sleeping at the wheel. Foreign hotels are sweet & comfortable.

If it looks like a skunk, smells like a skunk, chances are, it is a skunk!!
Corruption is Corruption, it's so obvious, no matter how much you speak of Transparency.
Bahamas T-Rump?