Boatmen angry about 15-minute docking rule

Yesterday afternoon owners of some of the major companies gathered at the Ferry Terminal to voice their disapproval at the 15-minute time limit along Hamilton Docks and how it was being enforced by police.

Michael Gladwin, owner of Reef Explorer, said operators had been informed by the Corporation of Hamilton they were no longer allowed to tout for business on the waterfront.

And he told the Bermuda Sun police officers were timing boats to ensure they abided by the regulations.

He said: “We have been operating like this for 35 years so I don’t see where the change has come from. Fifteen minutes is totally inadequate to be able to conduct our business.

“This is going to seriously affect our business especially if it is going to be enforced like this.”

Captain Steven Brown from Destiny Tours said he had already been given a ticket for $100 for breaking the rules.

He has written to Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva claiming he was “harassed” by an officer who was trying to enforce the rules.

Nigel Prescott, owner of Lady Boats, said the rules were “impossible” to abide by.

He said: “A lot of the guys are very upset with what is happening. I have a wedding of 150 people coming in — how am I supposed to get them and all the entertainment on the boat in 15 minutes? It’s impossible.”

Last night Mayor of Hamilton Charles Gosling told the Bermuda Sun he was hopeful “cool heads would prevail” at today’s meeting.

He said that the 15-minute time limit had been in place for many years while soliciting had always been a summary offence.

Mr. Gosling said: “These are not new regulations – I don’t know why there is any extra activity now.

“I am assuming the police have had other priorities and now it is coming into the summer season.

“I really wish we had had a phone call from the operators expressing their concerns before it came to this.

“I am hopeful we can find some mutual ground that will keep everyone happy.”

In a statement Edward Benevides, the Chief Operating Officer and Secretary for the City of Hamilton said: “I understand the owners and operators of tour boats held a press conference today to address their concerns about docking on Front Street.

“The City of Hamilton was not given an opportunity to address their concerns prior to the press conference. My office received a phone call on Thursday morning, from Mr. Michael Gladwin, requesting a meeting.

“Mayor Gosling and I are meeting with all concerned tomorrow morning. We welcome the opportunity to dialogue with the owners and operators of tour boats and to look for ways we can work together to address these matters.”

We contacted the Bermuda Police Service for a response to the claims made against it.

A spokesman said: “The Corporation of Hamilton is the appropriate organisation to address the tour boat operators’ concerns.”