Published 13 years ago, updated 6 years ago

Editor’s Note: The following proposed changes are good news for visiting yachtsmen, especially those from Russia and Australia, however, it is advisable to check via the St. Lucia Tourist Board website before arrival to verify they have been implemented.

ST LUCIA, WI – September 28, 2011

The St. Lucia Tourist Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation announces that all newly revised policies have been approved by its government to help stimulate growth and development in St. Lucia’s yachting sector. Several proposals presented by Yachting Director Cuthbert Didier have been sanctioned and will facilitate clearing in and out of the country, as well as ease on taxation and many other added benefits to encourage cruising in its waters.

These changes will greatly improve and support yachting for private and charter yachts wishing to cruise St. Lucian waters as well as those wishing to conduct yachting business in the country.

Some of the changes include the following:

• Yachtsmen will now be permitted to stay in St. Lucia waters for 6 months
• Yachts with owners temporarily on the island will be allowed to remain in the state free of duties and taxes for up to 3 years, after which they will become payable on the current value
• 100% waiver of import duty and tax on yachts imported into Saint Lucia
• Approval has been given for the formation of a Yachting Committee, that falls under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and will incorporate all relevant institutions that function to regulate the yachting sector in St. Lucia
• 100% waiver of import duty and consumption tax on boat safety equipment and watercraft activity equipment, which includes sport fishing, SCUBA diving, kite surfing, and other water sports, subject to verification of the Bill of Quantities by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation for 5 years from the date of cabinet conclusion
• 100% waiver of import duty and consumption tax on all equipment and materials imported or purchased locally for use in the establishment of infrastructure to service yachts over a period of 5 years, subject to verification and approval of the Bill of Quantities by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation
• The Government of Saint Lucia has waived the visa requirements for Russian and Australian nationals so that Russian and Australian nationals no longer require visas to enter Saint Lucia

These great efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Government of St. Lucia to foster yachting in the state will likely trickle down to other businesses in the country, leading to even further economic growth within the country. “This crucial change benefits everyone in the yachting industry, from owners to crew, charter guests and yacht businesses as well as residents of the island itself. We have been working on implementing these changes for some time, and anticipate great results for all involved,” says Didier.