ermanent Secretary (Ag) in the Office of the Premier, Ms Elvia Smith-Maduro revealed that government plans to acquire a new immigration/custom border control system to bring relief to the situation. Photo: Team of Reporters

The situation was brought to the fore during the question and answer segment of the meeting when owner and operator of Voyage Charters, Ms Jo-Ann Downing said they have been in operation in the West End area since 1996, “There are four marinas where we operate, we have been using Brian Christopher and Oceans Green… him and his team they are amazing. Other people still want to come into West End [and] they would like the ferry dock to be opened,” she implored. Photo: Team of Reporters

This was revealed at the recent community meeting in the Capoon’s Bay area of West End, Tortola, where Permanent Secretary (Ag) in the Office of the Premier, Ms Elvia Smith-Maduro revealed that government plans to acquire a new immigration/custom border control system to bring relief to the situation.

System in Works

“So that is already included in the package that we are considering... Once we get cabinet’s approval, that service will be coming on stream,” she told those gathered at the community meeting.

The situation was brought to the fore during the question and answer segment of the meeting when owner and operator of Voyage Charters, Ms Jo-Ann Downing said they have been in operation in the West End area since 1996, “There are four marinas where we operate, we have been using Brian Christopher and Oceans Green… him and his team they are amazing. Other people still want to come into West End [and] they would like the ferry dock to be opened,” she implored.

Noting that the design presented at the community by the Government, is very good, she said "We want to keep it small not too big,” while urging that Government should look into a solution that can go out to the vessels and clear the passengers.

Urgent Intervention

“I know it does cause congestion, I know it does cause frustration because we are hearing from all the marina guests that come into the office. So maybe a mobile custom/immigration officers on the water would be good,” stressed the West End resident.

Prior to Ms Smith-Maduro’s response, Chairman of the Disaster Recovery Coordination Committee (DRCC) Mr Broderick Penn had said that government is looking to use more technology in its provision of services, “so I think with the suggestion that you are making in respect to mobile immigration and customs, that is married with the technology that the government is looking to introduce,” he said.