The Association believes that their working members deserve the same level of response from the Ministry of Tourism as the sector continues to develop as St. Lucia's most important industry. The Association encourages ongoing investment from members to continually upgrade equipment in order to avoid complaints from hotels, and others, seeking to participate in specific areas of business which should be reserved for locals. The position of the Association is that hotels should refrain from involvement in services provided by the SWTA such as water taxi and small group snorkeling as long as our services are of the highest professional quality. The Association believes such involvement would destroy the systems of control which they have worked hard to institute resulting in a return to an 'every man for himself' business climate and a dramatic increase in perceived harassment. Such a policy would help locals compete at the highest level in the industry, an often stated goal of government and tourism officials.
Businesses being locally owned adds greater benefit to the island's economy.
The SWTA calls for increased involvement from the SMMA in terms of time being spent on the water to assist in monitoring the harassment activities of unauthorized and unlicensed 'boat men'. It is hoped that the new institutional arrangements of the SMMA will help substantially. Clearly, the proposed Customs office to be located in Soufriere will help. Regulations can then be enforced which will restrict local vessels, wishing to offer services of various kinds, from approaching visiting yachts prior to these yachts clearing Customs. It is the view of the Association that an organized and harassment free arrival should serve to initiate the presentation of the professional services being offered by a yacht friendly port.