Importers urged to be patient amid issues at ports

Premier Dr D Orlando Smith has urged importers to be patient, adding that his administration is working to address issues being faced regarding the clearance of goods at the territory’s ports.

“I am aware of issues clearing goods that business owners are experiencing at the ports as they too are working hard to open their doors and provide goods and services to our community. I again ask for patience and I want to reassure the public that Government continues to address these and similar challenges as we try to get our islands back to normalcy,” he said yesterday, September 28.

The premier, who did not disclose the specific issues being encountered, noted that the ports have been receiving both humanitarian aid and private goods.

He said his government is continuing to review the recently published list of goods that can be imported tax-free in an effort to support the rebuilding process following widespread destruction caused by category 5 hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The goods currently under the tax waiver running from September 21 to December 21 this year are:

• Food and water

• Building material

• Electrical fixtures and materials

• Plumbing fixtures and materials

• Household furniture, furnishings and appliances

• Pharmaceuticals

• Generators

• Cleaning supplies