The BVIPA said the move was necessary to ensure the continued employment of about 200 staff in their employ and to conduct necessary upgrades to the BVIPA’s infrastructure, during an interview with the host of the Honestly Speaking Radio Programme, Claude O. Skelton Cline, on ZBVI 780 AM on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

While thanking persons who expressed their concerns on the issue, Premier Fahie in a social media message on April 1, 2021, said: “Your Government has and will always be about solutions in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands and it will not change especially dealing with this BVIPA fees issue.”

“While there are some harsh realities that must be dealt with, we also recognise that the voice of the people must be heard and respected,” he further stated.

The BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) said the move to hike ports fees was necessary to ensure the continued employment of about 200 staff in their employ and to conduct necessary upgrades to the BVIPA’s infrastructure.

Amicable way forward coming

“In that vein, please be advised that plenty of consultations with many stakeholders and the Government of the Virgin Islands are ongoing behind the scenes. As a result, a more amicable way forward with the Port fees will be announced next week so stay tuned,” he said.

The matter of the increase in fees by the BVIPA has been seen as a further burden to the struggling people of this territory who have had to contend with job losses, fewer hours on the job and a halt in business in the tourism industry because of COVID-19.