Above: Dominica (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Dominica is continuing talks on the construction of a marina in the northern town of Portsmouth, according to the government.

Tourism Minister Ian Douglas said “a lot of preliminary work” remained on the idea, but that a market remains for yachting in the region and Dominica.

“I’ve been in discussions with a number of persons in the yachting industry, especially the luxury segment of the market which is the higher end of yachting and they say, for instance, if you want to buy a yacht today, the waiting list is three years long,” he said. “Even amidst a global recession, a marina would certainly help Dominica to be able to take is rightful place among the Caribbean countries that attract that kind of business.”

Portsmouth is the site of the Cabrits Hotel, a joint project that is being built in partnership with the government of Morocco.

The vision for a marina has always been in the plans for the development of Portsmouth and of the Cabrits,” Douglas said. “We feel that we have the best geographical and natural amenities for a marina and that is something that Government continues to work on.”

The Minister said Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit had been in talks with “a number of friendly governments” about the marina project, including Morocco.

He also said the government was looking for a funding arrangement that would “not be taxing on residents.”

“The Caribbean is very famous for that kind of business in the yachting industry,” he said. “We certainly look forward for the day when we can establish our very own marina.  We feel the best place for it is right here at the Cabrits, either an outward marina on the sea with slips or a more expensive but better constructed marina inland where the boats could have more safety.”