The Association has received the following notification from the Club's correspondents in Barbados. We wish to draw Members' attention to changes in customs and immigration reporting requirements and significant increases in penalties coming into effect in tandem with the creation of a single domestic space for various Caribbean jurisdictions for the period of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

New reporting requirements regarding passengers, crew and cargoes are being imposed on all ships entering the Single Domestic Space (SDS), together with radically increased penalties. For example, measures currently before the Barbadian parliament will increase penalties for failure to make adequate immigration declarations from as little as B$500.00 (US$250) to B$200,000 (US$100,000) with a two year prison sentence for "intentionally or recklessly" failing to comply with the reporting requirements.

Customs may seek a further fine of B$200,000 (US$100,000) and seizure of ships for the same offence. A minimum bond of B$1,000,000 (US$500,000) will be required to release the ship. A testing phase for the new requirements is already in operation.

The following jurisdictions are part of the SDS effective from 21 February to 30 June 2007:

1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Barbados
3. Dominica
4. Grenada
5. Guyana
6. Jamaica
7. St. Kitts and Nevis
8. St. Lucia
9. St. Vincent and The Grenadines
10. Trinidad and Tobago.

For entry to the SDS a Special Visa will be required for nationals of all countries other than the following:

1. Canada
2. France and its Overseas Countries and Territories
3. Germany
4. Ireland
5. Italy
6. Japan
7. The Netherlands and its Overseas Countries and Territories
8. United Kingdom and Dependent Territories;
9. South Africa
10. Spain
11. United States and Dependent Territories
12. Nationals and residents of CARICOM Member States (except Haiti).

Source of information:

Cariconsult International Limited

Tel: +1 246 423 6412

Email:

cconsult@caribsurf.com