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Suez Canal blockade could cause delays in VI’s receipt of goods - Hon Flax-Charles

- as experts have warned about supply chain impacts
With global shipping resuming through the Suez Canal following a blockage by the ‘Ever Given’ that has since been cleared, Jr Minister for Trade and Economic Development in the Virgin Islands, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) said the impacts could be felt in the VI. Photo: VINO/File
Lodged on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, and pulled only yesterday March 29, 2021, after blocking traffic for 6 days, over 350 ships were backed up outside of the canal as a result of the Ever Given according to a report from the BBC. Photo: Internet Source
Lodged on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, and pulled only yesterday March 29, 2021, after blocking traffic for 6 days, over 350 ships were backed up outside of the canal as a result of the Ever Given according to a report from the BBC. Photo: Internet Source
The ports facility at Port Purcell, Virgin Islands. Experts have warned that supply chain impacts that will come as a result of the Suez Canal blockage could last for months. Photo: VINO/File
The ports facility at Port Purcell, Virgin Islands. Experts have warned that supply chain impacts that will come as a result of the Suez Canal blockage could last for months. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – With global shipping resuming through the Suez Canal following a blockage by the container vessel ‘Ever Given’ that has since been cleared, Jr Minister for Trade and Economic Development in the Virgin Islands, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) has said the impacts could be felt in the VI.

“I’m sure that it would cause some delays since BVI has… persons [who] order goods from all over the world. So I am sure that it will affect the receipt of goods coming through,” Hon Flax-Charles told VINO in an invited comment.

Lodged on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, and pulled only yesterday March 29, 2021, after blocking traffic for 6 days, over 350 ships were backed up outside of the canal as a result of the Ever Given, according to a report from the BBC.

Hon Flax-Charles remarked, “Of course, there’s also the hundreds of other ships that were outside waiting, so I would anticipate probably a week or two of delays. The good news is, that it's free so shipping would now resume,” the Minister said.

Huge Supply chain impacts forecasted

Meanwhile, experts have already warned that supply chain impacts that will come as a result of the blockage could last for months.

“The disruption of a week of this size is going to continue to have cascading effects ... it’s got to be at least 60 days before things get sorted out and appear to be a bit back to normal,” Stephen Flynn, professor of political science at Northeastern University told CNBC. 

“This level of disruption cascaded after every 24 hours,” he added. The domino effect will include congestion at ports, in addition to vessels not being in the right place for their next scheduled journey. 

More challenges are also forecasted to arise from supply chains already reeling from a container shortage amid the COVID-19 buying boom.

10 Responses to “Suez Canal blockade could cause delays in VI’s receipt of goods - Hon Flax-Charles”

  • ... (30/03/2021, 12:34) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    such a lazy answer
  • Yes (30/03/2021, 12:43) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    We should of had agriculture first like other things in place for situation like this and similar...self sustainability. It goes with self determination.....hope some can see that who claiming self determination to independent...it a dam lot to consider in a move like self determination especially wen we dealing with human nature...and greed..
  • Sadat A (30/03/2021, 13:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ok captain obvious
  • Rubber Duck (30/03/2021, 14:10) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    We are so lucky to have such smart people working for us.
  • @ rubber duck (30/03/2021, 18:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    YEAH / LIKE REAL SMART
  • Youth (30/03/2021, 20:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I like how the Premier has confidence in his two Junior Ministers who happen to be women.
  • People (30/03/2021, 20:25) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    I would rather have no one else but Fahie and the VIP leading us during these turbulent times worldwide.
  • Common sense aint king (31/03/2021, 07:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    “The disruption of a week of this size is going to continue to have cascading effects ... it’s got to be at least 60 days before things get sorted out and appear to be a bit back to normal,” Stephen Flynn, professor of political science at Northeastern University told CNBC.

    A political professor commenting about operations management. I'm sure he is making over $100k to teach our children nonsense like this. And we pay over $100k for our children to learn nonsense.
  • Shaft (03/04/2021, 22:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    COMMON SENSE IF APPLIED PROPERLY CAN BE VERY POWERFUL ESPECIALLY BY THOSE WHO THINK THEY KNOW IT ALL


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