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Monday, November 29, 2004
Local newspapers in Antigua and Barbuda have reported that the government plans to introduce increased port charges that would directly affect cruise and cargo lines coming into the island. According to reports Port Manager Lesley Williams and Chairman of the Antigua Port Authority Clarvis Joseph have signed a letter sent out to all companies that handle cruise lines and cargo ships that do business in Antigua.
The letter says the hike is necessary to offset large sums of money government was forced to spend to ensure that the country met the July 1st deadline for the introduction of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS). The ISPS Code was introduced worldwide following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US. The decision is expected to raise heated resistance from cruise tourism and cargo handling interests in the country
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