In a statement on Friday, BVIPA said: “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.”

The fee increases were postponed after heavy public backlash since such proposed hikes would affect the importation of all goods into the territory and further raise the cost of living in an already impacted economy battling the effects of COVID-19.

The postponement is until January 2022 and applies to fees associated with the Pilots Licence, Pilotage Exemption, Stevedore, Ships Agent, Customs Broker, Freight Forwarder, General Services, Private Buoys Commercial, Private Buoys Non-Commercial, Cargo Charge, Running of Lines, Longshoring, and Pilotage, among other things.

“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,” the BVIPA has said.

“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,” it added.

The BVIPA previously explained that the increases were necessary for the Authority to upgrade its facilities and maintain its shipping certification from the International Maritime Organization.

Below is the full statement from the BVIPA.

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