Cargo runs to and from the Road Town Ferry Terminal has resumed effective today, May 19th. This was confirmed by Minister of Health and Social Development, Honorable Carvin Malone who said that the process was approved by the HEOC.
Two weeks ago Premier of the Virgin Islands Hon. Fahie had advised that in light of COVID-19, that all cargo be directed to the Port Purcell Dock for the short term.
At that time, he said “When you dealing with so much stuff coming from any port, it’s not just a regular ferry run, so many grocery or whatever the case may be in terms of cargo coming over that now has to go to Port Purcell to ensure that all the protocols to safeguard the persons on the boat, those who have to check the boat, those who receiving the goods, can be adhered to and that is most effective right now at Port Purcell.”
This was met with mixed emotions as Cargo coming through the port at that time was also subjected to a Customs Trade Declaration (T12), which resulted in higher chargers to the customer.
That decision however has now been revised, with Cargo trips resuming in Road Town.
Honorable Malone in an invited comment today said that “We have now established a proper procedure for safe handling from the USVI port, to ensure that local persons are protected from the risk of contracting COVID-19”.
The Government said that “the Unit spent time reviewing all protocols to ensure that if this is done, but in extremely limited circumstances, that all precautionary measures are put in place to ensure the safety of all especially in regards to the ongoing fight against Covid-19”.
The coronavirus pandemic resulted in the BVI closing all borders to all incoming travelers but remained open to allow for the transport of cargo.
Today decision marks another step back to normalcy in the British Virgin Islands.