Telemaque expresses high praise for ABPA Act amendments

The General Manager of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority (ABPA), Darwin
Telemaque is expressing high praise to the government for adopting the recent
amendments to the ABPA Act.
He noted that while the legislation was initially passed by the parliament to
facilitate the seizure and the anticipated sale of the super yacht Alfa Nero, there are
other very tangible benefits to its passage.
“For all these years that the port has been in operation, we have been unable to
address navigational issues before vessels sink to the ocean floor. We were only
allowed to remove navigational risks when they become risks. If, for example,
there is a vessel located in an area where it shouldn’t be and if it poses navigational
risks because it is still afloat, we had no legislation to guide us in dealing with this
risk. In this case, the legislation allows that the port will have no requirements to
pay to have the vessel removed, but to be paid for doing so,” he stated.
The port manager described the legislation as ‘progressive’ and that the ABPA
fully intends to take advantage of the new powers it now has under the amendment.
According to Telemaque, the benefits of the new legislation go far beyond dealing
with the Alfa Nero, as this will likely be in place for many years in the future. He
identified the port’s mandate to include ensuring the safety of the Antigua and
Barbuda harbors and environment, as well as the economic viability of the very
important marine sector.
Meanwhile, the sale of the Alfa Nero takes place tomorrow morning when the
bids will be opened at the Treasury Building on Independence Drive.
Telemaque said he anticipates that the vessel will earn more than the USD60
million at which the For Sale price was listed.