Voice of people on port fees 'must be heard & respected'- Premier Fahie

- said a 'more amicable way forward' with port fees will be announced next week

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Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said his Virgin Islands Party (VIP) administration is in the process of finding a solution to the escalated fees introduced by the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) last month. Photo: VINO/File

The BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) said the move to hike ports fees was necessary to ensure the continued employment of about 200 staff in their employ and to conduct necessary upgrades to the BVIPA’s infrastructure. Photo: VINO/File

BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said his Virgin Islands Party (VIP) administration is in the process of finding a solution to the escalated fees introduced by the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) last month.

The BVIPA said the move was necessary to ensure the continued employment of about 200 staff in their employ and to conduct necessary upgrades to the BVIPA’s infrastructure, during an interview with the host of the Honestly Speaking Radio Programme, Claude O. Skelton Cline, on ZBVI 780 AM on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

While thanking persons who expressed their concerns on the issue, Premier Fahie in a social media message on April 1, 2021, said: “Your Government has and will always be about solutions in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands and it will not change especially dealing with this BVIPA fees issue.”

“While there are some harsh realities that must be dealt with, we also recognise that the voice of the people must be heard and respected,” he further stated.

Amicable way forward coming

“In that vein, please be advised that plenty of consultations with many stakeholders and the Government of the Virgin Islands are ongoing behind the scenes. As a result, a more amicable way forward with the Port fees will be announced next week so stay tuned,” he said.

The matter of the increase in fees by the BVIPA has been seen as a further burden to the struggling people of this territory who have had to contend with job losses, fewer hours on the job and a halt in business in the tourism industry because of COVID-19.

22 Responses to “Voice of people on port fees 'must be heard & respected'- Premier Fahie”

trrefdrfds (02/04/2021, 12:06) Like (22) Dislike (7) Reply
That how a real leader of the people by the people and for the people go about make a decision by simply considering other of it concern hope u go about this same way making the territory futher decisions...thank you mr fahie. ....a well crowned approach
- Nice speech (02/04/2021, 13:02) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
  Sounds Good,. Will be waiting,,
- Forgot (02/04/2021, 13:14) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
  While you at it, loot at boat schedule to and from St Thomas,. 10 is too late, With All the protocol in place by the time we finish clearing in St Thomas is 1 o'clock, 8 o'clock departure is appropriate,, also look at fees theo are too high,,, also look at getting reentry approval before leaving,, ,
- @Truth (02/04/2021, 23:20) Like (10) Dislike (27) Reply
  Our choices to be vaccinated should be respected as well
Joshua (02/04/2021, 13:14) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
Truth, after the fact. Was there any consultation before the declaration. Consultation after implementation and still went ahead with policy as planned. Do you expect any adjustments at this time. That is the truth.
Hopeful (02/04/2021, 13:17) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
Hopefully, the Government learned a lesson with it's non-existent "consultations" with the private sector, regarding Covid, and is actually talking to someone other than it's own employees, on this one.
Youth (02/04/2021, 13:43) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
We thank you Premier
facts (02/04/2021, 13:45) Like (17) Dislike (7) Reply
Some persons in the BVI act as if the challenges of Covid issues are only in the BVI and no where else in the world.
east end man (02/04/2021, 13:52) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
It is not easy to be a leader now no where in the world with the problems coming from Covid-19. Having said that I think our Premier and his team are doing good because they as well as all leaders in the world are facing unprecedented challenges.
PVIM (02/04/2021, 13:52) Like (17) Dislike (10) Reply
the national democratic party placed road town in some very bad positions during the 8 years in parliament. give a listen to the loyal opposition during legislative assembly standing pointing fingers @ current political leadership just shameful
Clearly (02/04/2021, 13:56) Like (27) Dislike (2) Reply
I cannot join the few who are trying to say that this government does not care. That cannot make sense when one views all the help they have given and are still giving to struggling families and businesses and churches and fishermen and pre-schools and daycare centre and taxi operators as well as many many more. We have confidence that they will find the best solution with this problem also.
We Know (02/04/2021, 14:01) Like (6) Dislike (21) Reply
So Mr premier It dont concern you cause your salary big
@ truth (02/04/2021, 14:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
YOU GOT A POSITIVE NAME / BUT YOU HAVE ETO GET ACQUAINTED WITH IT - OR PRACTICE IT
Honk ya horn. (02/04/2021, 14:12) Like (6) Dislike (11) Reply
V.I.P Ayo go ahead.... Just wait.
musa (02/04/2021, 14:38) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
good news
The harsh reality (02/04/2021, 14:48) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
The dead weight collecting, especially the higher ups to the board level need to be thanked and dismissed from their rolls. Competent people, hungry to make change, need to be put in positions of authority. Then a three year plan.

But this plan when met with the harsh reality on the ground has five major flaws.
lordy (02/04/2021, 16:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
Only one them bvi new vexing now ...
pat (02/04/2021, 17:33) Like (43) Dislike (13) Reply
ok I staying with the VIP they deserved a second term
election (02/04/2021, 20:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
Them lesson to musa
Patriotic (02/04/2021, 22:08) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
All and any capital expenditure regarding port development should be borne by central government although bvi ports is a statutory body - in many ways its still a government entity . If this is the trend where you have people and businesses are subject or ask to pay higher fees anytime the port need to be upgraded ,then in a few years bvi will be the most expensive country to live in terms of cost of living. the main purpose of the public sector is not to make a profit but to serve its people.
666 (03/04/2021, 06:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
are the investors still given tax free privileges: just imagine the small man must pay all applicable government taxes but the so-called rich investors are given exception from government taxes that is not right
Sixteen (03/04/2021, 12:46) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
Please look into the practically daily increase in gas prices.

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Voice of people on port fees 'must be heard & respected'- Premier Fahie

22 Responses to “Voice of people on port fees 'must be heard & respected'- Premier Fahie”

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