Objectives

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As per clause 5.1 in the ABYMA by-laws, the organisations objectives are to promote Yachting & the Marine Industry and to facilitate and advocate for its interests in Antigua and Barbuda through but not limited to the

following means:

(a) Advocating on behalf of the industry to government, statutory bodies and local, regional and international organisations as required and appropriate.
(b) Promotion of Antigua and Barbuda as a premier yachting destination.
(c) Industry development and community outreach.
(d) Protecting the environment.
(e) Other objectives that the organisation determines from time to time that will further the mission and goals of the organisation.

There are delivered in the following ways:

Government Advocacy

  • Recommendation of improvements to facilities and customs and immigration procedures.
  • Liaison with various government ministries in providing information and feedback to assist in future policies, particularly the Ministry of Tourism.
  • Communication across the Caribbean Yachting Industry and instrumental in setting up of Caribbean Marine Association (C.M.A)

Promotion of Antigua and Barbuda as a Premier Yachting Destination and Premier Vacation Destination

  • Collective marketing, advertising and promotions through the ABYMA Marine Directory and other publications.
  • Participation in International Trade Shows and Consumer Boat Shows where feasible and provision of marketing materials.
  • Promotion of the Antigua and Barbuda Yachting & Marine Association Website www.abyma.ag and active on-line links in and out of the site to raise awareness of the industry and the country  along with social media channels.

Local Partnerships

  • Work with the National Parks Association, the Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting, Sailing Week, Antigua Yacht Club and the Ministry of Tourism and other organisations as required on events, marketing and strategic issues.
  • Collates an annual calendar which is sent to relevant orgnisations and available online to ensure people are aware of all event dates and assist people who are interested in new events in advising on timing of the event to minimise any calendar clashes.

Community Programmes

  • Participation in the ABYMA Industry Showcase to promote the yachting industry to Antiguans’a and Barbudans and encourage more people to consider the industry as a career and understand the value of the industry.
  • To create awareness of the critical importance of the yachting industry and the tourist industry generally to the livelihoods and well being of all areas of the community.
  • To raise awareness of environmental issues and their effect on the community and country.
  • Engender support for key charitable events or situations in the community.

Funding

  • All of the efforts of the Association rely on the yearly membership fees and additional offers of funds from the members, along with a series of social events organised by the association within the community throughout the year. The funds from these events are then used to further our marketing programme.

Recognition by the Government of Antigua & Barbuda has achieved

  • Advance Passenger Information System suspended.  APIS would have severely damaged the yachting industry in Antigua
  • Direct channels to Immigration to resolve problems
  • Agreements on ABST to benefit the marine industry
  • Appointment of  a Yachting Liaison Officer
  • Falmouth Harbour approval as a Port of Entry (yet to be implemented)
  • Agents allowed to clear in yachts
  • Initiation of Dock Worker Pass System
  • Yachting Symposium chaired by the Prime Minister
  • Recognition of Seaman’s Book
  • Employment of Marine Hospitality Officers
  • Increased Police presence in Falmouth and English Harbours
  • E/D Cards available in marinas
  • Short term/temporary Work Permits for marine industry workers
  • Harmonisation of port charges to yacht transport companies for discharging and loading yachts at the port in Antigua
  • Advocating for the supply of low sulphur fuel in Antigua which resulted in the product being available.

Additionally, the ABYMA

  • Has improved social contact between members
  • Employed a permanent office secretariat
  • Is working throughout the Caribbean with the Caribbean Marine Association and the Caribbean Sailing Association
  • The ABYMA has sent representatives to the Monaco Boat Show, Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show, Sea Trade Convention in Miami, Safety & Security Conferences in both Antigua & Trinidad and to a CMA Conference in Trinidad on APIS.  ABYMA leaflets are distributed at main yachting destinations in Europe, the Canaries and Florida.

ABYMA By-Laws

To review the by-laws of the organisation please click here.