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Cabinet approves $360K month payment for barge patrol services

- said previous contract with EZ Shipping Limited resulted in improved border security measures
February 26th, 2021 | Tags: payment barge patrol approved Cabinet border security
The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has given the green light for the payment of $360,000 to local company, EZ Shipping Limited, for providing sea patrols for one month. Photo: VINO/File
Cabinet said the previous contract with EZ Shipping Limited 'has resulted in improved border security measures that are quantitatively successful in deterring illicit border activity; effected a marked reduction in marine traffic and that the BVI is working assiduously towards finalisation of a Sea Border Protection Plan to include long-term solutions.' Photo: VINO/File
Cabinet said the previous contract with EZ Shipping Limited 'has resulted in improved border security measures that are quantitatively successful in deterring illicit border activity; effected a marked reduction in marine traffic and that the BVI is working assiduously towards finalisation of a Sea Border Protection Plan to include long-term solutions.' Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has given the green light for the payment of $360,000 to a local company for providing sea patrols for one month.

The decision was made on February 17, 2021, during a cabinet meeting chaired by His Excellency, the Governor Mr John J. Rankin, CMG, which was held at the Financial Services Commission's Conference Room where all members were present.

The post-cabinet meeting report released on Thursday, February 25, 2021, said Cabinet "Approved: the continuance of works with the issuance of a new contract agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and EZ Shipping Limited to provide two barges to serve as radar platforms for the securing of sea borders for a further one month, with effect from 23rd December 2020 through 22nd January 2021 in the amount of $360,000."

Illicit border activity deterred

The report said that the previous contract with EZ Shipping Limited "has resulted in improved border security measures that are quantitatively successful in deterring illicit border activity; effected a marked reduction in marine traffic and that the BVI is working assiduously towards finalisation of a Sea Border Protection Plan to include long-term solutions."

Furthermore, the post-cabinet report indicated that Cabinet agreed that the said funding would be brought before the House of Assembly for its stamp of approval "at its earliest convenient sitting."

It was also decided that the Attorney General's Chambers would vet the contract before it was signed.

The VI Government had turned to the barges to boost border security following a spike in COVID-19 cases linked to human smuggling into the VI back in August 2020.

62 Responses to “Cabinet approves $360K month payment for barge patrol services”

  • Love for My Country (26/02/2021, 07:38) Like (119) Dislike (1) Reply
    The money being spent for barge patrol is madness! The barge does not have the capability of stopping any vessels and we know that it is not working. People are still coming in illegally and the drug trade has increased. The Government needs to stop wasting the taxpayers money on foolishness!
    • 007 (26/02/2021, 13:10) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well they wouldn’t want to actually catch anyone
      • BUSY BEE (26/02/2021, 15:42) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
        No enforcement whatsoever!
        The so called "exclusion zone" at West End has never, ever, been anything more than an "exclusion zone" for go-fasts.
        The attitude is the same as with the scooter problem, the police couldn't care less.
    • Blindman (26/02/2021, 21:17) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      What you expect putting rats to mind cheese , once you pay the toll charge you can pass freely ,if you want results let the uk handle it example vessel left here shot down by coast guard while throw out drugs on their way back here they know when to go and come they have been given a wind
    • @ love my country (27/02/2021, 16:18) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      When you pass burt point day after day the police vessel dont go anywhere. Bvi need 3 nice coast guard cutters where enforcement officers can spend quality time on the water. Get serious about border patrol because these gun crimes is out of control the last i check bvi do not manufacture weapons but we full of serious firearms
  • chosen (26/02/2021, 07:42) Like (64) Dislike (2) Reply
    The rich Will always get richer from poor and honest at the expence of tax payes they claim they was protect the borders and yet so much criminal and ilegal drugs still enter the island haha
  • Really ?? (26/02/2021, 07:43) Like (69) Dislike (0) Reply
    OMG. That money could buy a patrol boat or e fixed wing aircraft every month !
  • long look me come from (26/02/2021, 07:53) Like (2) Dislike (80) Reply
    At least the money stayed with our own people
    • Love (26/02/2021, 10:25) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
      So because it stayed with as you put it our own people that makes it right. If wasted money or better yet stolen is going to as you said our so call own people that in your opinion is a good thing. Do you think perhaps that there are kickbacks perhaps going to crooked politrickians.
      Does that not bother you.
    • @long look me come from (26/02/2021, 11:52) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
      Our own people, yes. But what happened to the so called "lil man"? VIP swore that NDP was forgetting all about the Lil Men. Now they are piling cash on our local millionaires. Well, I guess when you hear someone say something, just wait until they get the opportunity and say what they will do. It didn't take long for this Government.
  • New bid! (26/02/2021, 07:53) Like (61) Dislike (0) Reply
    I’ll sit out there in a kayak for a month for $350k
  • Well Paid (26/02/2021, 07:56) Like (37) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well Paid for a *E* performance,. All those illegals and drugs that came through under their. Watch,,,, They should be very pleased,,,
  • NB (26/02/2021, 08:10) Like (49) Dislike (0) Reply
    The level of intelligence of these people and their ability to make logical decisions to run this country never cease to amaze. Can’t believe so much stupidity exist. Clarify for me please, how does a barge patrol the borders? For $360 I could do a better job on my kayak
  • Hmm (26/02/2021, 08:17) Like (40) Dislike (2) Reply
    VIP MUST go! Absurd
  • one eye (26/02/2021, 08:17) Like (2) Dislike (66) Reply
    Thank god we have a government that looks out for our people

    I just happy the money stayed home and we don’t have to pay the British for their half dead ship
    • WHAT!!! (26/02/2021, 10:08) Like (40) Dislike (0) Reply
      It was said on the news that the British Navy ship was here at no charge to us. Stop spreading mischief.
    • @ONE EYE PETE (26/02/2021, 10:14) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      YOU ARE SUCH A SILLY IGNORANT PERSON. YEAH THE MONEY STAYED HOME BUT HOW MUCH OF IT YOU ARE BENEFITING FROM. I AGREE, I WILL USE MY PERSONAL BOAT, A AK47 AND A BULLET PROOF VEST AND PATROL FOR HALF THE MONEY AND DO A GOOD JOB PROTECTING BVI WATERS THAN A SLOW AS MOLASSES BARGE.
      • @@ ONE EYE PETE (27/02/2021, 11:42) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        I AM A RETIRED EX NAVY SEAL AND SHARP SHOOTER, I WILL PROVIDE MY OWN BOAT WITH MY RAMBO STYLE HEAT MOUNTED ON A TRIPOD AND PATROL THE BOARDERS.
    • @ one eye (26/02/2021, 10:47) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Use your other eye to read your Bible and understand god is an idol while God is the Supreme Creator
  • what (26/02/2021, 08:19) Like (43) Dislike (0) Reply
    People are hungry, can’t pay their rent, don’t have jobs, can’t pay mortgages and this useless Government and new Governor agree to pay barges when they are preventing drugs or illegals from entering in. BVI people need to demand this nepotism STOP. And DEMAND the country be opened to tourism NOW.
  • GG (26/02/2021, 08:24) Like (36) Dislike (0) Reply
    I cannot even get $300. From the covid relief fund and these ppl getting $350k per month. I could use that amount for 3 years to feed my family and pay all my bills.
  • Lol barge patrol (26/02/2021, 08:30) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Lol lol lol
  • what a mess (26/02/2021, 08:36) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Jesus!!
  • josiah'sbay (26/02/2021, 09:13) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    Paid informants are much cheaper and more productive.
    • Economical waste.. (26/02/2021, 11:28) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      The COI would be looking into this to see if the people get value for money, or if any govt member has interest or investment in these boats..
  • Surveillance (26/02/2021, 09:27) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    Satellites perform much better nocturnal sea surface surveillance for vessel activity in BVI, US and international waters than radar. Of course that info is classified. 360k per month is a waste of BVI money.

  • chosen (26/02/2021, 09:29) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    @one eye i can see you dont have a working brain in this empty head the british ships are not half dead its is your brain the british ships have all kind of tecnologí onboard the ships are smater than you and your entire family
  • See (26/02/2021, 09:38) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    The level of ignorance in a suit is just incredible . People and drugs moving in and out whenever they want . And we wonder why the UK wants to take a look
  • Rubber Duck (26/02/2021, 09:46) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    Which crony owns the barges?
  • Well Sah (26/02/2021, 10:03) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    EZ MONEY EZ SHIPPING
  • Wow. (26/02/2021, 10:03) Like (42) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow wow wow. That is wickedness!
    $360k !!! A month ??? Dem man really wicked meson! Thought this Government would make a difference but dem worse than NDP. That’s $4.32 Mil.
    That’s close to the Airline dem talking about. England should really take over this place. These people wasting public funds.
  • @ long look U from (26/02/2021, 10:06) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    tortola needs at least 2 patrol boats and if the people cannot see that it is better to invest their money in something that will be owned by the government instead of paying out that kind of money and nothing to show for it - which is more constructive ?
    • BuzzBvi (26/02/2021, 21:53) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Be carful what we wish for. Invested in a hospital boat once. Not sure it ever moved one person from VG to Tortola. Still needs engine to be fixed.
  • GG (26/02/2021, 10:09) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
    Lord watch how them hating
  • Mr Shovels (26/02/2021, 11:18) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Gov't might as well buy their own barge if this one costs over a quarter million per month, sheesh...
  • hmm (26/02/2021, 11:28) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fat boy barge patrol for that amount? might as well get a Dinghy
  • TOWN (26/02/2021, 11:39) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    is this the same amount Mitch was talking about and they say he aint have proof? someone help me out with if I'm right oh wrong i cant remember.
    Thanks
    • @Town (26/02/2021, 14:33) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yep. The same thing the crucified Hon. Mitch for. Lord have mercy
    • @Town (26/02/2021, 17:00) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      They sure put Mitch on blast for saying what has been revealed before our eyes. I REMEMBER SOMEONE SAYING HOW COULD HE TALK ABOUT HIS UNCLE LIKE THAT. @TOWN, YOU ARE NOT WRONG, YOU ARE CORRECT.
  • wow (26/02/2021, 12:10) Like (0) Dislike (14) Reply
    Ain’t the Government fault. If the barge companies wasn’t a hungry greedy they would have done it for less while making a fair income for really not doing anything. Yet the said barge couldn’t conduct their regular business that cost them money as well. Some of you people just don’t understand business and logistics.
    • lmao (26/02/2021, 21:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      .. judging by you little two cents, clearly you don’t either.
    • BuzzBvi (26/02/2021, 21:51) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ha ha,
      Barges not doing any work at all. Lined up for the airport payola that did not happen and now having to be given compensation money hidden in wolfs clothing.
  • Albert (26/02/2021, 12:11) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    They just lost my vote over this one !
  • coi (26/02/2021, 12:48) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anyone questioning the need for a COI now?
  • Hmm ok (26/02/2021, 13:17) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    It seems to me that those people are getting a cut of the drugs and cash.
  • outrageous, greedy, and wicked (26/02/2021, 15:10) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thats an outrageous figure from a greedy and wicked VIP government. The amount of drugs and people trafficking from BVI to STT daily is ridiculous and we the people have to suffer and pay this ridiculous amount for piss!
  • Come on (26/02/2021, 15:34) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    So when the UK government offer to patrol and secure our borders for FREE with a fully stocked navy ship its a problem? But paying $360k to the government cronies for some ratty empty looking barge its ok??

    Governor Rankin ayo need to look into this for that CoI
  • smh (26/02/2021, 15:34) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    If this doesn’t qualify as systemic corruption then I don’t know what does..
  • if (26/02/2021, 15:50) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    So.. can government workers get their over due increments now? Asking for government workers.
  • just Because (26/02/2021, 16:41) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    The masses need to require of this government a detailed report of the benefits thus far of the platforms. (1)The number of daily launches of the joint task force from each barge. (2) The total number on interceptions since deployed. (3) Will this approach be a constant or will government seek to install active radar systems and secure a fleet of go fast service sea craft to patrol our waters.
    The current arrangement appears to be riddled with "give backs" and lack of transparencies. WE NEED ANSWERS!
  • musa (26/02/2021, 16:59) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Good job team
  • i see (26/02/2021, 17:06) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    SOOOOOO, I SEE THEY HAVE RAIDED THE TAX PAYERS ATM AGAIN. SOMEONE(S) IS EATING GOOD OFF THOSE BARGES ON THE TAX PAYERS MONEY.
  • unfair (27/02/2021, 02:01) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    So many other persons own barges and would’ve bided for less (a fraction of that )
    One man continues to get this job.
  • q (27/02/2021, 04:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    $17,000.00
    About a 1/3 of that let say $5,000.
    00 a day.
    $5,000.00 × 30 days = $150.000.00
    Who was right ??????????
  • 4real (27/02/2021, 06:37) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why didn’t this go out to tender are the the only company with barges are they the only company that has to eat or have loan to pay bull crap
  • GG (27/02/2021, 07:01) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I had said this amount can feed me and my family and paid all our bills for 3 years but when I do the calculation this amount will actually feed us and (still paid all the bills) for 8 years.
  • Expat (27/02/2021, 07:04) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    If I work for fifteen years in the BVI I still will reach that amount.
  • Savage (27/02/2021, 08:17) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Amazing, human beings are their own enemy and demise, imagine all of you bvi individuals tear down the UK vessel which was no cost to you but allow 360k to be easily paid out to barges which can't stop s**t. I find you are a special bunch of idiots a rare kind actually and need to be studied.
  • @ONE (27/02/2021, 09:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    U got to be some place - like else
  • struups (27/02/2021, 18:13) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Someone need to flag this up to Hickinbotton at the COI
  • omg (27/02/2021, 18:36) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Me muma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    all that money for a barge to go chase a "go fast" boat?


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