Not adequate for full operations; gov’t seeking community input on dock
This 20-foot container was recently placed at the West End dock to house Customs and Immigration Officers based at the facility.
The temporary structure that recently arrived at the West End Dock is not adequate for full international ferry operations. However, at least one community meeting will be held for residents to give input on port operations.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works Anthony McMaster said authorities will be closer to ascertaining a date when the West End Dock will resume full operations after these proposed community meetings.
McMaster said the ministry is in the process of making meeting arrangements with Andrew Fahie, the representative of the First District where West End is located.
“We want to make sure we involve him in the meetings along with the West End community,” McMaster told BVI News.
The meetings specifically will be centred around discussions about the reestablishment of dock facilities, proposed opening days, and how dock facilities will be rebuilt, McMaster said.
As for the 20-foot temporary structure now at the dock, McMaster said it was a donation from a company called Blue Ocean Caribbean Enterprises Limited.
“We think it’s a great stride through partnership in the BVI and that persons are willing to partner with the government to rebuild and take the country forward,” McMaster said.
The donated structure is outfitted with air conditioning, office equipment, and is awaiting electricity connection, the Works Ministry said in a recent media release.
The container is said to be able to withstand a category-two hurricane and will be relocated if a category three or higher storm poses a threat to the territory.
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The “No Direction Party” is clueless…this proves it, they don’t know what to do after nearly a year so what do they do? – stall and ask the community then decide what to do…why didn’t they do this last year? the PS couldn’t organize a P…s up in a brewery!
So long as they do something about the parking, I am not sure how much community input is going to really help. Port infrastructure is not something which really benefits from community opinions.
“Not adequate” – no S…t! Really! Look at the thing … What an embassment nearly a year and that’s the best the government can do? Time for a change asap…..
Now is the time to think about how we treat visitors at ports and the airport. Now is the time to implement some of the features we see at other airports round the world. Things like a “ Nothing to declare “ walk through channel. Are we really going to continue to treat every visitor like a criminal? And automatic passport gates for BVIsalanders and maybe British passports like they have in London.
However I suspect the powers in customs and immigration will veto any improvement. Too advanced for them to understand.
Hey we could use that picture in an advertising poster with the caption.
“ Modern visitor reception facilies with toilets and a roof; not coming soon”