As the BVI prepares to welcome daily flights from the United States of America, local authorities have expressed confidence in the ability of the territory’s relevant Customs, Immigration and Security authorities to protect the BVI’s borders from any increased risk of imported contraband.
When asked whether local authorities intend to implement any new, more stringent screening measures at the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport, a general consensus was expressed by Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, Deputy Premier the Honourable Kye Rymer and Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority Kurt Menal, that the measures currently in place would be sufficient.
According to Menal, this can be attributed largely to collaborative efforts and sharing of information between the relevant local authorities.
“What happened recently about 3 or 4 months ago, there was an MOU signed [between] Customs, Immigration, Airports Authority and Police. We’ve become collectively responsible for securing the borders whether it be the airports or the ports so there’s constant communication in regard to that.. Safety is our number 1 priority… In that aspect we are most confident”, Menal said.
Meanwhile, the premier and deputy premier lauded the territory’s success in this area.
“Certainly from an immigration standpoint, sharing of information certainly will go a long way as it pertains to protecting our borders. It’s something that we are quite focused on and I believe that we’ve been having a great deal of success in that area”, said the Premier.
“We also must acknowledge BVI Customs. They have been the ones securing the ports upon entry and I think they have been doing a good job at that. Also, beefing up the checks. So I acknowledge them for their work they have been doing”, added Rymer.