I wish to begin by thanking the multi-governmental agencies for their continuing efforts and support, and in particular with the water sports industry in New Providence.

This work began several years ago as a collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the Port Department, the Port Authority, Royal Bahamas Defence Force and industry stakeholders. In furtherance of this collaboration, additional measures will be immediately implemented: these new measures include among other things,

1. A sea-based patrol by RBDF officers on jet skis providing surveillance of beach areas during hours of operations, is now in place.

3. Beach marshals have been selected from the body of Jet Ski operators which introduces the new and very important component of industry-based self-monitoring.

3. This will be combined with the recruitment of additional port enforcement officers who will be in post over the next several weeks.

4. New signage will also be introduced to provide clear directives to patrons of Jet Ski operations.

I am in dialogue with the Minister of National Security on the role the RBDF will play in increasing surveillance.

These further reforms build upon work already undertaken by the Ministry in a commitment to create a rational and well-ordered industry.