The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) and Her Majesty’s Customs have joined forces to ensure the safe clearance of goods at Port Purcell, Tortola and St Thomas Bay, Virgin Gorda.

The cargo port areas were closed to the public for several weeks as the 24-hour Curfew was implemented across the Territory.  The agencies are now collaborating to put measures in place ahead of the April 27 reopening date.

Ports’ users will encounter new safety measures such as physical distancing demarcations, limiting the number of persons on the compound at any given time and hand sanitising stations as part of the new procedures.

Acting Managing Director of the BVIPA, Mrs. Oleanvine Maynard said, “Throughout the pandemic, we have worked diligently to keep the cargo port operational to allow for essential goods to enter the Territory.”

She added, “The aligning of our health and safety protocols and procedures is another example of the strong partnership that exist between the Ports Authority and Customs.”

Meanwhile, Acting Commissioner of Customs, Mr. Leslie Lettsome said, “As Government agencies, it was imperative for us to implement the safety measures recommended by the Government through the Health Emergency Operations Centre as we protect the lives of our employees and customers and by extension suppress community spread of COVID-19 in the BVI.”

Mr. Lettsome added, “We are eager to expedite the clearing of goods at the port so that it can reach the persons who need it in this new safe environment.”

His Excellency the Governor  Agustus J. U. Jaspert and Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie announced the new curfew order and phased reopening with a joint statement on Friday, April 24.