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Reopening of seaports pushed back to March 1, 2021- BVIPA

The Virgin Islands seaports will be reopened to international travellers on March 1, 2021, instead of January 21, 2021 as was originally announced. Photo: VINO/File
Part of the BVIPA press release announcing the new reopening date for the Road Town Ferry Terminal to international tourists. Photo: BVIPA/Facebook
Part of the BVIPA press release announcing the new reopening date for the Road Town Ferry Terminal to international tourists. Photo: BVIPA/Facebook
PORT PURCELL, Tortola, VI- After circulating via social media for hours, the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) has confirmed that the reopening of the territory’s seaports will be pushed back to March 1, 2021.

The reopening date was initially scheduled for January 21, 2021.

Via a media release issued late today, January 5, 2021, by Public Relations Officer for the BVIPA Akua Akindele, it was noted that the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands approved the new reopening plan since December 30, 2020.

“The BVIPA and the Government of the Virgin Islands is cognisant of the constantly changing global status of the COVID-19 pandemic which now includes a second wave that is affecting countries. As such, our overall objective is the health and safety of the residents and the visitors of the BVI,” she wrote.

Akindele added: “This has led to significant adjustments to the reopening plan that will ensure a safe and efficient return of international ferry passenger operations at the Road Town Ferry Terminal.”

Projects yet to be completed

According to the BVIPA PRO, the decision was also made “based on a projected timeline of work to be completed,” which she did not reveal.

“The new timeline that includes various project deadlines now has a ‘Ready to Service’ date of March 1, 2021.”

The Virgin Islands reopened its borders, via the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, to international visitors on December 1, 2020.

21 Responses to “Reopening of seaports pushed back to March 1, 2021- BVIPA”

  • Mahn (05/01/2021, 20:01) Like (17) Dislike (22) Reply
    Government just a waste
  • Local (05/01/2021, 20:33) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    Tourism soon come to a stop major countries shutting down again and america out of control, so roll it back.
  • push if u pushing (05/01/2021, 21:46) Like (1) Dislike (19) Reply
    while yall pushing back the seaports opening push out this stupid curfew
  • peace (05/01/2021, 22:45) Like (53) Dislike (10) Reply
    This government knows very well they weren't opening it in Jan, 21st now the next push back is just ridiculous, all the so-called faith in God yet they living in fear. They are all in on this new world order, from small islands to greater ones. We need new leaders
    • @Peace (06/01/2021, 07:46) Like (8) Dislike (10) Reply
      This government also did not know the virus would mutate and would increase. Please complain fairly.
      • Worker (06/01/2021, 08:59) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
        We need to work, either the virus kills us or this government will starve us
  • Sailors (06/01/2021, 00:07) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    We wanted to sail from St Maarten to BVI on 19 March to spend about 2 weeks. Does this mean we will not be allowed to come?
    • tony montana (06/01/2021, 09:00) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      Don't waste your time
    • Sailing Guy (06/01/2021, 10:27) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      You could do an out and back, sail around BVIs, leaving all islands to port, or starboard, making sure you don't cross any boundaries into BVI waters. Maybe bring a spare $ 20K in cash, but don't get caught with it....LOL. Seriously though, unless you have time and money on your hands, as well as the patience of Job in dealing with constantly changing and seriously variable bureaucracy, I'd reconsider. Maybe just sail round Sombrero and back.
  • Wow! (06/01/2021, 02:02) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    Not surprised !! Jus stay closed for 2021 Premier! Show us that BVI love !! #smh. #dontworryfolksthisdateprobablywonthappeneither!!
  • Servant of the Most High God in Christ Jesus. (06/01/2021, 02:32) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    While Idon't ever agree with our Govt. policies on all the plans, I see the delayed openning of Sea Ports due to the rising Covid-19 not as cowardice nature, but rather a wise decision.
    From others and me that put life ahead of money, we highly applaud this decision.
    Way to go Captain. Blessings!
  • T (06/01/2021, 02:56) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    That first Monday in March is a Holliday .
  • hello (06/01/2021, 05:36) Like (1) Dislike (25) Reply
    Hello good job mr PM rool back the curtain of course
  • rewrsdffds (06/01/2021, 08:31) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    what project. never see any work being done.
  • Covid fake news (06/01/2021, 08:32) Like (16) Dislike (6) Reply
    All these blame on Covid to achieve government agenda by driving people into submission to take the vaccine,,,,,In Britain for example 50% object to taking vaccine so lock down to apply more pressure,,,,,In the BVI it's an excuse to cover their no plan failure,. Covid is use to cover all no proper planning and failures,,,,Why then we now have three different dates to open port in a tiny island like the BVI. , This is not good.
  • good (06/01/2021, 08:48) Like (5) Dislike (23) Reply
    Good move
  • Wibble (06/01/2021, 09:05) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Initially scheduled for 8th December !
  • Taxi Man (06/01/2021, 11:49) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    How will l feed my family
  • BULL! (06/01/2021, 13:46) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Okay... so don't open for the tourist at least open for residents of the BVI we can't afford the astronomical costs of flying into Beef.
  • Big Up (07/01/2021, 11:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    So why not open the seaport for the locals to travel, and leave it close for the tourist. Is this based upon the tourists that's why its totally shut down.


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