The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) has announced the implementation of health and safety protocols at its cargo ports. Photo: BVIPA

BVIPA, in a press release on August 26, 2020, said the protocols, effective on the same date, are in keeping with the Government of the Virgin Islands’ COVID-19 protocols and with the safety of its team, customers and stakeholders in mind. Photo: BVIPA

Customers are now required to call ahead to schedule an in-person appointment at BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA). Photo: BVIPA

BVIPA, in a press release on August 26, 2020, said the protocols, effective on the same date, are in keeping with the Government of the Virgin Islands’ COVID-19 protocols and with the safety of its team, customers and stakeholders in mind.

Procedures

Customers are now required to call ahead to schedule an in-person appointment.

When visiting the Port Purcell facility there will be a limit of five (5) people allowed in the lobby at one time: three (3) by the cashier and two (2) by Her Majesty’s Customs.

Customers will be required to correctly wear a face mask at all times while on port property.

Located at the pedestrian gate there is a sanitisation station that customers will be required to use before entry and during departure. Sanitization and washing stations are also located for use throughout the facility.

Maintaining a physical distance of six (6) feet from all persons for social distancing will need to be observed.

Payments via email

Further, the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority said, in an effort to minimise face-to-face contact, it will be providing customers with the ability to make payments via email to payments@bviports.org.

All submissions should include the following:

1. The completed BVIPA credit card payment authorization form, now available online at bviports.org.

2. A legible, scanned, approved and paid Treasury T-12 from Her Majesty’s Customs. PR12-20 Page 2 of 3 August 26, 2020 a. The Customs Automated Processing System (CAPS) Unit for Her Majesty’s Customs can be contacted via telephone at 468-9689/468-9692 or via email at caps@gov.vg for assistance.

3. Invoice for goods 4. Storage/Forklift charges (where necessary).

These documents need to be provided to allow the BVIPA to accept payment and be able to provide a receipt via email.

“For those persons who do not wish to send their credit card information, you must provide a telephone contact so that you can be contacted for the payment information to complete the processing of the transaction via telephone or you would be required to obtain an appointment to come to the office,” the press release noted.