● Pilots Licence

Further, the proposed new fees listed below, have also been deferred and will take effect in January 2022.

Vehicles GVWR less than 14,000 lbs     $500/annum

Vehicles GVWR 14,001 to 26,000 lbs    $1000/annum

Vehicles GVWR over 26,000 lbs  $1000/annum

Security Fee $1/ton of cargo

The fee increases already implemented and paid by stakeholders on March 15th, will be refunded. Individuals seeking their refunds are required to provide the paid receipt and documentation, and BVIPA would calculate the refund accordingly. Those were fees for licenses for Customs broker, Agent, storage, wharfage, line handling, container, and vehicles.

In line with the Authority’s new initiative to further engage with stakeholders, the Board and Management appreciate the feedback of all concerned in the process of arriving at the decision to postpone the fees. While this arrangement will not bode well for the enhancement of port facilities and technological usage to deliver more efficient services, it is important in building partnership.

The Authority will continue to look for diverse ways to raise revenue in the short-term. The upcoming reopening of the seaport to welcome back cruise tourism will provide some measure of relief, but it will not go far enough to meet the costs of the planned upgrades that are needed to maximize efficiency in rendering services.

In the short-term, the Authority will shift its focus to the employment of the safety and security standards demanded by the pandemic to protect all stakeholders, visitors and the BVI public, as well as to maintain the international certification of the ports.

While this is being done, the Authority implores the patience of immediate stakeholders and the general public, as the process towards port transformation will be delayed, given the current fiscal challenges. The redeployment of the limited resources will consequently cause setbacks in infrastructure upgrades, and, occasionally, service delivery.

The BVIPA will continue to update all partners and affiliates on port activities, and looks forward to continued engagement, for the development of the Ports and the ultimate revival of the BVI economy.

ABOUT THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS PORTS AUTHORITY

The BVI Ports Authority is the managing authority for all official Sea Ports within the British Virgin Islands including the 60ft wide, 1,312 ft. long cruise pier that can berth ships up to a maximum tonnage of 180,000 GRT. The BVIPA is responsible for the welcoming and safe arrival of seafaring passengers, as well as the reception, handling and security of cargo and sea based trade.

For more information, please visit www.bviports.org