Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie has announced that the seaports of the British Virgin Islands will be opened to international travel on January 21, 2021.

Premier Fahie made the announcement during a live update on the reopening of the Territory’s borders on Monday evening.

The Premier said, “Given the number of persons that have been coming into the T.B. Lettsome Airport, which far exceeds our projection in this era, we see an opportunity to further strengthen our  seaports to successfully balance lives and livelihood. We want the team there to be fully equipped as we COVID-19 proof the Territory.”

Honourable Fahie said that the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands deferred the Territory’s December 8 opening to marine traffic from international visitors including via the Road Town Ferry Terminal, and private and charter vessels unless previously approved.

The Premier said, “We do not want to compromise the safety and health of the people of the Virgin Islands. We do not want to retard our progress in having low or no COVID-19 in the Virgin Islands.”

He added, “We have set a target date of January 21 for the reopening of the Road Town Ferry Terminal only to incoming international visitors until all performance objectives for the reopening are met.”

The Premier said the aim is to ensure that all visitors experience an authentic BVILOVE welcome from the moment they begin their journey to the Territory and throughout the entire entry process whether it be the airport or seaport.

Premier Fahie said the main seaport is still in need of further adjustments and physical improvements for both the arrival and departure processes in the era of COVID-19. The Premier said this observation was made as a result of the recent reopening at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport which he said is a learning curve.

He also reminded persons that the borders of the British Virgin Islands are still open to welcome residents and visitors, but it will only be through the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport at this time.

The Premier concluded by saying, “The world is experiencing spikes and we must ensure that we do all we can and exhaust all efforts to keep everyone safe including persons living here and persons visiting.”

The Department of Information and Public Relations (GIS) will provide consistent updates on the reopening of the seaports on behalf of the Premier’s Office and the BVI Ports Authority.

Residents and visitors are reminded to observe all health and safety protocols, washing and sanitisation of hands, physical distancing and wearing of masks and shields in public spaces.

The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport reopened to visitors on December 1 as part of Phase III of the opening of the British Virgin Islands borders.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Photo: Road Town Ferry Terminal, Tortola British Virgin Islands. (Photo credit: Franklyn Skerritt/GIS)