The Nassau Guardian
Acklins residents concerned fishing guides being displaced
ACKLINS – Bonefish lodge operators in Acklins are calling on the central government to investigate “rogue” bonefish lodge operators who have entered the sector.
Bonefish lodge operators in Acklins were among those who attended a special meeting organized by the Combined Churches Committee held recently at Acklins Community Centre at Spring Point to address residents’ concerns.
Some lodge operators at the meeting complained that a few lodge owners are not following the law. Newton Williamson, owner of Grays Point Bonefish Lodge, said: “I have been in this business for many years and have adhered to the rules and regulations governing the sports fishing and I don’t like what I see going on nowadays. I think it is wrong for guests to be allowed to go out on the flats by themselves. First of all that practice is dangerous for the guests, and secondly, it deprives the local guides from earning a living and taking care of their families.”
Concerns with guests going on the flats alone escalated a year ago after new entrants joined the sector. These guests pay a discounted rate to some lodges, are provided with vehicles and are allowed to roam the island and its fishing grounds at will. These guests, who have visited before, have logged the coordinates of the major fishing grounds in their global positioning system (GPS) devices and they know exactly where to go to fish without the service of fishing guides.
“Guests simply cannot be allowed to go out on their own,” said Francita Neilly, island administrator, to the gathering.
“Acklins must be the only place that allows them to do that foolishness. I know that they cannot do that in Andros. I will inform the ministry about the situation so that they can deal with those lodges who are breaking the law.”
Lodge operators also complained about a shortage of sports fishing guides. Neilly said a training session will be initiated early this year for new fishing guides and for those who wish to sharpen their skills.
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