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BVIPA defers more port fee increases to January 2022

-Will refund increases already paid by stakeholders
The BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) has announced that pursuant to the public announcement made by Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in April regarding the postponement of port fee increases until 2022, the majority of fee increases, will now be deferred to January 2022. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) on April 8, 2021, has chided the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) for not following the recommendations of Cabinet, such as having public consultations, before implementing a new fee structure. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) on April 8, 2021, has chided the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) for not following the recommendations of Cabinet, such as having public consultations, before implementing a new fee structure. Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) has announced that pursuant to the public announcement made by Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in April regarding the postponement of port fee increases until 2022, the majority of fee increases, will now be deferred to January 2022.

Fee increases now deferred include those for Pilots License, Pilotage Exemptions, Stevedore, Ships Agent, Customs Broker, Freight Forwarder, General Services, Private Buoys Commercial, Private Buoys Non-Commercial, Cargo Charge, Running of Lines, Longshoring and Pilotage.

More proposed fee increases fees that will be deferred include for Vehicles GVWR less than 4,000 lbs - $500/annum, Vehicles GVWR 14,001 to 26,000 lbs - $1000/annum, Vehicles GVWR over 26,000 lbs - $1000/annum and security Fee $1/ton of cargo the BVIPA has indicated.

Refunds will be processed - BVIPA

The authority noted that Stakeholders who paid already implemented increases that took effect from March 15, 2021, will be refunded.

Individuals seeking their refunds for licenses for Customs broker, Agent, storage, wharfage, line handling, container, and vehicles are required to provide the paid receipt and documentation, and BVIPA would calculate the refund accordingly.

The BVIPA further noted, that “In line with the Authority’s new initiative to further engage with stakeholders, the Board and Management appreciate the feedback of all concerned in the process of arriving at the decision to postpone the fees. While this arrangement will not bode well for the enhancement of port facilities and technological usage to deliver more efficient services, it is important in building partnership.”

The Authority said that it will continue to look for diverse ways to raise revenue in the short term and reminded that the upcoming full reopening of the seaport to welcome back cruise tourism will provide some measure of relief. 

 

3 Responses to “BVIPA defers more port fee increases to January 2022”

  • not so (19/06/2021, 20:20) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ports trying to look good
  • VG Resident (19/06/2021, 21:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is the fee per anum for a car less than 4000 lbs. Does this mean there is now a tax on cars of $500/ year?
  • time (20/06/2021, 06:40) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Will the Port please also educate the public on the big fees it is charging the public.
    These fees are the lions share and represent 90% of their increased revenue and is being felt on the streets.
    Wharfage has gone from 1% to 2%.
    Wharfage is now being charged for imported fuel at 0.10cents per gallon.
    Container usage fee has increased from $150 per 20ft to $300, $300 per 40ft to $600
    Storage has increased from 0.05cents per cubic foot per day to 0.25cents for the first week.
    To give you an idea of what the storage increase means a pallet of 64 square feet used to be charged at $3.20 per day is now charged at $16.00, do the maths on a 40 ft container, costs more than a suit in a swanky hotel in Central Park!
    CAPS still can’t get your Customs declaration back inside 24hrs and you still can’t file your declaration until after the cargo has landed... unbelievable in this modern day!
    A system set up to cost you money, not work with you to help!
    So all this posturing by Foy and the Port Authority looking like good guys by not increasing costs for the majority of the proposed increases is BS they added the increases that give them major%$$$ to us the consumers.


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