Grenada to Pass Tourism-Friendly Laws

The government of Grenada has tabled a number of bills in its Parliament that will not only benefit the general business environment but bring major advantage to the island tourism´s industry.

Receiving its first reading at a recent sitting of the House of Representatives was the Hotel Aid Amendment Bill 2006, the License Amendment Act 2006 and the Civil Aviation Amendment Act 2006.

These bills were among ten that necessitate parliamentary approval as the island continues to make changes to national legislations as the result of the revised Treaty of Chaguaramus.

This treaty, which was approved by the heads of all Caricom governments, is the guideline document for achieving the Caricom Single Market and Economy position among member states.

The Caricom Single Market and Economy seeks to make the members of Caricom a single territory where all Caricom nationals receive the same benefit regardless of territory of birth not where residing, working or visiting.

The Hotel Aid (Amendment) Act 2006 will remove the requirement for consent from the minister of tourism before a person is employed in an activity in relations to a hotel in respect of which a license has been granted.

The change also widens the category of persons to work in the property to include nationals of a member state. In other words, work permits will no longer have to be approved for Caricom nationals to work in the tourism sector.

Section 12 of the Hotel Acid Act provides for consent of the minister being obtained where less than three-fourth of the number of persons employed is work related to a hotel are not citizens of Grenada.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Amendment Act will make it easier for persons with Caricom nationality be granted an air service license.

The bills not only need approval from the Lower House but will also have to receive the backing of the Upper House or Senate before its becomes law.