Beautiful Virgin Islands

Monday, Jun 23, 2025

Fully Restored! Customs Dept. Receives Additional Vessel

Fully Restored! Customs Dept. Receives Additional Vessel

The Customs Department has received a new addition to its vessel fleet, with the addition of MV Searcher.
The vessel was officially launched and received its maiden voyage on Friday, March 5, at the Marine Base in Burt Point, Tortola, with officials such as Premier Hon. Andrew Fahie, Minister for Transportation, Works, and Utilities Hon. Kye Rymer, among others.

“I am pleased that the Government of the Virgin Islands was able to purchase this vessel that will help you to further keep the people of the Virgin Islands safe,” said Premier and Minister for Finance Hon. Andrew Fahie.

He added, “My prayer is that God sails with the team wherever you go; may God keep you safe as you navigate the waters.”

Commissioner of Customs Wade Smith said he was pleased by the newest addition to the department’s assets.

“The storms of 2017 left us without a vessel, inoperable and unable to secure the borders. However, within the last year and a half, we have been fully restored,” he remarked.

Smith added, “In addition to the recently acquired Midnight Express by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Agencies marine capabilities with high-speed interceptors are second to none in the region. Combined, the replacement value of these assets can be in the vicinity of $2.5 to $3 million.”

The Commissioner of Customs further mentioned that the investment in the department has borne fruits.

“This investment made to secure our borders yielded significant returns in the fight against transnational crimes that are intercepted here in the Virgin Islands. Transnational crime such as hundreds of millions of dollars in drug seizures, millions of dollars in bulk cash seizures, and interception of illegal migrants.”

Financial Secretary Jeremiah Frett, who also delivered remarks at the ceremony, said the MV Searcher would assist Customs in ensuring that the BVI sees a reduction in crime, secured borders and more patrols.

“We only ask two things of you, Commissioner of Customs and other end-users of this vessel, keep this vessel maintained at all times and demonstrate good sailing and navigation skills to avoid any accidents on the high seas or otherwise. We celebrate the launching of this fine vessel; she will be an essential tool as we continue to make strides towards building the BVI that we aspire it to be,” he added.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Starmer Invites Innovators to Join Government Talent Scheme
UK Economy’s Strong Opening Quarter Shows Signs of Cooling
Harrods Seeks Court Order to Secure Al Fayed Estate for Victims
BA and Singapore Airlines Cancel Dubai Flights Amid Middle East Tensions
Trump Faces Backlash from MAGA Base Over Iran Strikes
Meta Bets $14 B on Alexandr Wang to Drive AI Ambitions
WATCH: Israeli forces show the aftermath of a massive airstrike at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site
FedEx Founder Fred Smith, ‘Heart and Soul’ of the Company, Dies at 80
Chinese Factories Shift Away from U.S. Amid Trump‑Era Tariffs
Pimco Seizes Opportunity in Japan’s Dislocated Bond Market
Labubu Doll Drives Pop Mart to Status as China’s Most Valuable Toy Maker
Global Coal Demand Defies Paris Accord Goals
We have new information and breaking details to share about what is shaping up to be a historic air campaign tonight
Six Massive Bombs Dropped on Fordow; Trump: 'A Historic Moment for the U.S., Israel, and the World'
Fordow: Deeply Buried Iranian Enrichment Site in U.S.–Israel Crosshairs
United States Conducts Precision Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
US strikes Iran nuclear sites, Trump says
Pakistan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize.
BBC Demands Perplexity AI Immediately Stop Using Its Content
Telegram Founder: I Will Leave My Fortune to Over 100 of My Children
Political Turmoil Resurfaces in Belgium Amid Economic Concerns
Fed policymakers divided on timing of interest rate cuts
Trump signals imminent agreement with Harvard University
Inheritance tax referendum alarms Swiss billionaire community
Japan cancels bilateral security meeting amid US defence demands
AI skeptic Emily Bender warns that ‘the emperor has no clothes’
Israel Confirms Assassination of Quds Force Commander in Tehran
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
FBI and Senate Investigate Allegations of Chinese Plot to Influence the 2020 Election in Biden’s Favor Using Fake U.S. Driver’s Licenses
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
Plans to Sell Dutch Embassy in Bangkok Face Local Opposition
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump's $5 Million 'Trump Card' Visa Program Draws Nearly 70,000 Applicants
DGCA Finds No Major Safety Concerns in Air India's Boeing 787 Fleet
Airlines Reroute Flights Amid Expanding Middle East Conflict Zones
Elon Musk's xAI Seeks $9.3 Billion in Funding Amid AI Expansion
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Taiwan Imposes Export Ban on Chips to Huawei and SMIC
Israel has just announced plans to strike Tehran again, and in response, Trump has urged people to evacuate
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Juncker Criticizes EU Inaction on Trump Tariffs
EU Proposes Ban on New Russian Gas Contracts
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
UK Home Secretary Apologizes Over Child Grooming Failures
×