The Premier and Minister of Finance, who is also the Minister responsible for ports, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, has announced that the planned increase in port fees will not be implemented as scheduled for 2022.

The decision to not implement the fees, according to the Premier, was made after extensive consultations with port stakeholders, and in the wake of an extremely challenging fiscal year, for BVI and the rest of the world, brought about by the ongoing COVIID-19 pandemic.

The management and staff of the BVIPA have been working assiduously in 2021 to help propel the BVI economy. Since the reopening in the late first quarter, the Ports have welcomed ferry passengers, cruise tourists, and have invested in significant infrastructure and technological upgrades to various port facilities across the BVI to ensure that the Ports meet the safety and security demands of the period; as well as enhance their operations in service to the people of the BVI and all visitors.

To successfully accomplish this, the management of the BVIPA has been consulting and collaborating with stakeholders, who have been credited with being instrumental in helping the Ports to achieve its developmental objectives during the pandemic.

Understanding the crucial role that the stakeholders have played in this effort, under extenuating circumstances, the Premier and Cabinet of the Virgin Islands, acting on the advice of management, took the decision to not implement the planned Port fee increases in 2022.

The BVIPA is grateful to all its partners and to the people of the BVI, for helping to keep the engine of the BVI moving.

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 inclusive of 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