Ginnette Bournigal takes the floor again in the Senate with a firm demand for nautical tourism
The senator for the province of Puerto Plata, Ginnette Bournigal, returned to legislative activity this Wednesday after a period of mandatory rest due to a surgical procedure on her vocal cords. Far from remaining silent, the legislator used her return to express her deep concern regarding the stagnation of the bill for the incentive of recreational nautical tourism in the National Congress.
Bournigal’s claim comes just days after she starred in an unusual moment at the opening of the Second Ordinary Legislature, where she had to communicate using an informational sign due to strict medical recommendations that prevented her from using her voice.
I am outraged that the nautical tourism incentive bill is still circulating in Congress.
Ginnette Bournigal, senator for Puerto Plata
A necessary boost for the Dominican economy
During her speech before the President of the Senate, Ricardo de los Santos, Bournigal insisted on the urgency of scheduling initiative 01837. The senator argued that the Dominican Republic is missing out on multi-million dollar opportunities by not having a competitive regulatory framework, unlike destinations such as the Bahamas or Saint Thomas.
The legislator was emphatic in pointing out the obstacles that boat owners currently face:
- The country loses significant revenue due to the lack of clear regulations.
- The procedures for boat or sailboat permits are so complex that they force users to carry out processes abroad.
- There is a misconception in the Chamber of Deputies that labels the piece as a “rich people’s project,” ignoring the potential for economic development.
The proposal defended by Bournigal seeks to establish precise rules under the supervision of the Dominican Republic Navy, facilitating the registration of vessels, navigation permits, and related services such as the maintenance and repair of watercraft.
Pending legislative commitment
In addition to the nautical tourism law, the senator used her time to question the lack of progress on other initiatives, such as the elimination of taxes on essential medical equipment, including defibrillators. In response to these points, the President of the Senate, Ricardo de los Santos, committed to reviewing the current status of the projects, acknowledging that some pieces had previously expired in the Chamber of Deputies.
With this return to the podium, Bournigal reaffirms her commitment to the tourism development of Puerto Plata and the country, making it clear that her legislative agenda remains a priority despite the health challenges she recently faced.
