Gun Creek is to be designated a port of entry into the Virgin Islands. Photo: honeymoon2.smugmug.com

This announcement was made by Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith at a press conference held at the Central Administrative Complex yesterday February 1, 2012.

“The North Sound, of which Gun Creek is a part, is hailed as one of the best anchorages in the Caribbean and is a playground and watering hole for our valued visitors throughout the year. We believe that the increased convenience that this new port of entry will provide for our visitors will set us well on the way to improving the experience they encounter when they come to and consequently spend time in the BVI.”

Premier Smith said the initiative is a bold initiative that will require investments upfront but which Government is confident it can recoup in user fees, cruising permits and indirect taxes as a result of increased traffic in the Sound.

“More importantly however, declaring Gun Creek as a port of entry will act as a catalyst for the development of a very important segment of our tourism industry, as well as facilitate the development of the industry in general and commerce in the British Virgin Islands,” Premier Smith stated.

6 days per week ferry service between Tortola and Anegada

It was also announced at the press conference that a six day per week ferry service between Road Town, Tortola and Setting Point on Anegada will come into effect as of Tuesday February 7, 2012.

Justifying the decision, Premier Smith said the people of Anegada must be as connected to their capitol as are the people of the other major islands in the Virgin Islands. “They deserve to be and in any case, an increased service will have the intended benefit of stimulating the economy of Anegada by providing greater, continuous and affordable access to that island from the main island of Tortola, both for residents and tourists alike.”

The service is currently being provided three days per week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by Road Town Fast Ferry.

The Premier also noted that Government will subsidise offsets on a predetermined formula to make the service viable in the short run “but we are hopeful that an increase in the use of the service by BVI residents will significantly reduce the level of the subsidy”.