BVIPA heightening security at local ports, increased surveillance

Security at the territory’s ports is being revamped.

This is being done through the installation of surveillance cameras at Port Purcell, the Road Town ferry dock, and the St Thomas Bay Jetty on Virgin Gorda.

A perimeter fence that is almost twice the height of the existing fence is also being mounted at Port Purcell.

Acting Deputy Managing Director at the BVI Ports Authority, Akeem Pickering, told BVI News on Tuesday that the existing fence and surveillance cameras sustained varying levels of damage during the 2017 hurricanes.

He said the overhaul is two-fold — firstly to meet international standards, and secondly, for overall security.

“Every port has what is called an International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code that we have to follow,” he explained. “The new fencing that we are currently putting to ensure that we are up to par with that ISPS code and we are implementing new security cameras which are also a requirement.”

He said installing the cameras are necessary because “they are a deterrent to any illegal activity and they also help you to be able to pick up on any accidents or incidents that may occur”.

“The port is a heavy equipment operating place, and sometimes incidents may happen where one person may say ‘it wasn’t me’. So at least the cameras will help pick up what was the actual cause of the incident,” he explained.

While he did not want to divulge the cost of the undertaking, Pickering said the projects are expected to be completed within the next few months.

“What we are doing is not only getting ourselves back to where we once were but better than where we were before the storm,” he said.