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Two more boats detained!

- as HM Customs’ operations continue
One of the vessels seized by HM Customs at the weekend. Photo: Team of Reporters
Another one of the vessels seized by HM Customs at the weekend. Photo: Team of Reporters
Another one of the vessels seized by HM Customs at the weekend. Photo: Team of Reporters
Commissioner of Her Majesty’s Customs, Mr Wade N. Smith. Photo: VINO/File
Commissioner of Her Majesty’s Customs, Mr Wade N. Smith. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Two privately owned boats have joined the fleet of ‘seized’ vessels by Her Majesty’s Customs as the agency continues its quest to bring the marine industry in full compliance with the laws and regulations that govern the industry.

Commissioner of Custom Mr Wade N. Smith confirmed with this news site this morning, August 29, 2016, that two more boats were detained over the weekend by his officers. Both of the vessels were privately owned by separate individuals.

According to information reaching our newsroom one of the boats was detained on the sister island of Jost Van Dyke while the other on Scrub Island. The boats were said to have been in violation of entry requirements necessary when entering the territory after hours.

Mr Smith could not give further details as he said investigations are continuing today.

Prior and as was reported by this news site on August 25, 2016, 11 boats were seized from a local company on suspicions of being in breach of the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act and Cruising Permit Act.

This news site has learned that the vessels have since been released after a fine levied against them by HM Customs was honoured.

Asked what the fine amounted to, Mr Smith declined to give a figure but said, “We are being consistent in the way we fine defaulters; it is nothing different than what we have been fining the others.”

17 Responses to “Two more boats detained!”

  • wize up (29/08/2016, 11:46) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI have now discovered its third economic pillar and thanks to Her Majesty's Customs.....failure to pay the fines those vessels should go towards developing a BVI Fishing fleet
  • facts man (29/08/2016, 12:06) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Government broke they need renue
  • Not just about the money (29/08/2016, 14:52) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    come on its not about the $$ can you go into the US after hours without proper documentation???? Let me help you with that answer NO WAY!!! Its about law enforcement and its about time, so let those that have been caught go back and spread the word that the BVI is not a joke!!
    • wize up (29/08/2016, 16:25) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ not just about the money....i have to agree with your blog: more of us should begin to share this point of view: it is all about enforcing the laws of our territory(church out)
    • Proper forms (30/08/2016, 06:24) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      The Bvi need to revamp their forms ... On the back of customer forms for the private boats it clearly states you have less than 24 hrs to decorate/present yourself to the nearest port for clearance ...
  • dog man (29/08/2016, 17:03) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    what for little man hope it for the big man 2. Good Job
  • dog man (29/08/2016, 17:03) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    what for little man hope it for the big man 2. Good Job
  • Soon very Soon. (29/08/2016, 19:28) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    Strupes. Innocent. People just having a good time enjoying our beautiful waters..let the people enjoy their lives. OMG .(.Using laws to harrass innocent fun seekers). Very. Very soon BVIslanders will be running to other islands to look for work. Trust me. This place is going down.. This is not the way to save it.
    • law and order (29/08/2016, 20:52) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Those who respect law and order will come. We have much to offer. Our sailing waters are still some of the best in any part of the world.
    • son of the soil (30/08/2016, 01:27) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      We got sun, fun, sea here but we also have laws too.
    • VG-1 (30/08/2016, 09:36) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Soon very Soon
      Everyone can enjoy our beautiful waters , sun beaches and what ever else we have to offer , after you have cleared immigration and Customs....we have no problem with that..this is not "free for all"..we have LAWS here. i would rather have 2 law abiding persons here that 1000 law breakers..
    • wize up (30/08/2016, 18:18) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ soon very soon: with folks like you the territory will certainly go down(you can not be a citzen of this place)...even the jungle have laws(ask tarzan or jane)....i hope that you cant run for political office because you sound just like a NDP Associate !!!!
  • rattie (29/08/2016, 22:16) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well there you go again Wade doing your do
  • question (30/08/2016, 07:16) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    What is (are) the alleged infraction(s)? And, just how clear are the laws in question? If the vessels in question committed an infraction, and have been impounded as a result, why are there investigations on-going?
  • black market sap (30/08/2016, 10:27) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    they're selling maple syrup without paying off scotiabank their percentage...
  • Yes (02/09/2016, 15:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bvi lawless.will always be.


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