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Posted: Wednesday 8 October, 2014 at 1:28 PM

Minister Vanterpool Gives Update On The Cruise Pier Project

Logon to vibesbvi.com... British Virgin Islands News 
Press Release

    Tuesday, October 7, 2014 - As promised, I am pleased to provide another update on the ongoing Cruise Pier Development Project and the expectations for the upcoming Cruise Ship Tourism Season.

     

    In my recent statement in the House of Assembly, I indicated that we are expecting some challenges due to delays in the construction project, but that our Government is making every effort to ensure that the Territory can still benefit from this year’s season.

    The latest report from the BVI Ports Authority shows that between this month of October 2014 and April 30, 2015, a total of 297 cruise ships are expected to call in the Virgin Islands, bringing a total of 612,372 passengers to the Territory. Of that number, 169 calls will be made to Road Town Harbour, totaling 450,000 passengers and 128 calls to the Sister Islands totaling 162,372 passengers.

    This totals 612,372 passengers, as stated above.

    A schedule of calls for the 2014/2015 season will be published by the BVI Ports Authority. Please feel free to get a copy and familiarise yourselves with this schedule.

    In the meantime, the Government of the Virgin Islands is forging ahead with the cruise pier construction project, which will see an expanded, widened and strengthened dock and the development of landside facilities to include a Welcome Centre, Immigration and Customs, restaurants and shopping facilities.

    There is also work being done on dredging the turn basins to accommodate larger vessels.

    There have been some concerns about the safety of cruise passengers during the construction phase, but I want to let you know that the Government of Premier Dr. Orlando Smith takes this very seriously and we are doing everything to ensure that safety is paramount, not only for cruise passengers but for the project workers as well.

    As stated before, the project is three (3) months behind schedule, however the Project Team and contractors are making all attempts to make up for lost time.

    We are still expecting the entire project to be completed by the end of 2015, but further to what I announced in the House of Assembly, the expectations now are that ships will be able to dock by March 1, 2015.

    Notwithstanding the challenges, the BVI Ports Authority continues to work with the cruise lines to ensure that, during the construction phase, we can welcome and accommodate their passengers in the best way possible.

    The Ports Authority is negotiating with local and overseas companies to provide tendering and other services for the ships that would be at anchor during the first four months of the season.

    Despite reports of cancellations by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, the Government of the Virgin Islands continues to make every effort to ensure that the 2014/2015 Tourism Season is not adversely affected by the ongoing construction of the cruise ship dock in Road Town.

    I can confirm that Royal Caribbean has cancelled five of their six calls between now and December 2014.

    However, we are in contact with the Royal Caribbean Group to continue our close relationship, as they are considered a long term mutual partner in our cruise tourism industry.

    It must be noted that one of Royal Caribbean’s calls will be accommodated around October 21, for which we will be offering free tendering services at the expense of the BVI Port Authority.

    The Ministry of Communications and Works and the BVI Ports Authority remain in constant communication with the taxi drivers and others in the industry to update them on the progress of the port development project and they have indicated their expectations of some inconveniences.

    However, in general, they are pleased to see the progress of the port development and look forward to its completion.

    As Minister for Communications and Works, I would like to reassure residents that Government has received confirmation of 297 calls from the cruise industry for this season, totaling 612,000 passengers.

    The Ministry and the Port Authority will be working very hard to accommodate these passengers along with all stakeholders, including taxis, tour operators, vendors and restaurants.

    I would like to ask for the continued support of the general public for this project, which will bring tremendous economic benefits for our people.

    Government is very pleased that this project is underway.

    We are anxious to see it completed in the economic interest of all citizens of the Virgin Islands.

    We want to thank you the public, especially all stakeholders, for your patience and support during this time.

    Thank you and may God bless these beautiful Virgin Islands.
     
     
     
     
     
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