And some of those seafarers, along with tourism stakeholders here on land, have been battling the sharp increases in fuel that have plagued the country in the past few months. It's a struggle between keeping their prices reasonable, but also ensuring that they can make a profit. And while there is a fuel cap on regular and diesel, $13 a gallon is enough to break anybody's bank.
And that's why the Ministry of Tourism is providing a fuel subsidy to almost 200 tour guides, tour operators, tender operators, and more. The minister, Anthony Mahler, told us more about it.
Hon. Anthony Mahler - Minister of Tourism
"Today was just the culmination of months of work, talking to the tour operators, talking to tender operators, talking to people in the industry on the best way how we can give some relief with regards to the crushing gas prices that have been happening for the last few months and that is a global thing. So today we just launched the initiative whereby we will be subsidizing fuel for people who went through an application process and were approved so you have about 185 tour operators, tender operators, and water taxi operators getting some level of support. We did a comprehensive survey and based on your historic use and your forecasted use, we came up with a formula to establish a ratio and a prorated system for us to help the industry."
Courtney Menzies
"And when will this take effect?"
Hon. Anthony Mahler
"Immediately."
And during the ceremony today, John Pollard, a vocal tour operator who doesn't shy away from voicing his opinion, and a representative from Exotic Shore Excursions expressed their gratitude for this subsidy.
