West End Port Plans To Be Discussed With Residents
He said, “We have now completed designs for a new building and we are hoping that at least by the end of this week we can agree and arrange with the district representative to set up a community meeting to share the schematics with the community to get their input.”
Mr McMaster said that the new building would allow for the full reopening of the facility and permit for future expansions based on the current designs.
The West End port facility was completely demolished by Hurricane Irma and in the interim, a 20-foot trailer container was donated this week to accommodate the customs and immigration office at the port.
The Permanent Secretary added that the temporary measure is not adequate for full international ferry operations but only to better accommodate officers.
“We are grateful to the Blue Ocean Caribbean Enterprises Limited, and Curt and Nancy Richardson who have been instrumental in providing the container,” Mr. McMaster said. He added, “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.”
The temporary structure is outfitted with air conditioning, office equipment and is awaiting electricity connection. The container can withstand a category two hurricane and will be relocated if a category three or higher poses a threat to the Territory.
The Ministry of Communications and Works and the BVI Ports Authority share the concerns of the community and are continuing to seek other temporary alternatives to better accommodate full ferry services at the West End Port.
The Ministry of Communications and Works thanks the community for their understanding at this time as they move forward with the transformation of public and private partnerships.
12 Responses to “West End Port Plans To Be Discussed With Residents”
much time has gone by. We're talking the western port of entry to the BVI, not a roti stand. Whosoever is
building the private yacht facility nearby is making more progress. This is kind of sick.
Is the slow as molasses pace in getting the West End Port back in operation since the devastating damages from Hurricanes Irma and Maria a deliberate political action? Or it is evidence that the NDP is still reeling like a top since September 2017 and is in essence a failed government? Has Hurricanes Irma and Maria truly exposed the unpreparedness, readiness and weakness of the NDP government? The performance of the NDP is painful to watch from both the 30 feet and 30,000 feet level.
Ok. The facilities at the West End Port in 9 months is moving from an embarrassing and non-aesthetically pleasing, cheap tent to a donated storage container. Wow! Is this the Premier’s standard of being open for business? Is the BVI tarnishing its image as a top small tourist destination in the region? Virgin Islanders, do we expect better? If yes, then let’s demand better. Are we happy and satisfied with the national state of affairs? If no, then let’s demand change that meets our satisfaction?
That's our problem. There are just not enough small tourists and our competition is better at catering to the "midget dollar". We need more ladders to help them shop in our stores with high shelves and better access to brightly painted rental cars with loud horns that go "Parp!" and the steering wheel comes off in their hands.