Port opening delayed - Reported by JTV55

JTV Channel 55

BREAKING NEWS; REOPENING OF SEA PORT POSTPONED TO APRIL 15, 2021
STATEMENT FROM BVI PORTS AUTHORITY

Reopening of the Seaports (Road Town Jetty) to International Ferry Operations

The BVI Ports Authority wishes to inform the public that the 1st March, 2021 reopening of the Road Town Jetty to incoming visitors has been deferred to 15th April, 2021 for the following reasons:

i. that islands within the region have reported increased numbers of COVID-19 cases;

ii. the increased possibility of the introduction of variant strains from international travelers;

iii. due to the demands of the roll-out of the vaccines and the need to ensure a large percent of the local population is vaccinated, the health personnel normally needed to assist in monitoring procedures at the entry portal is significantly stretched and as such the efficiency to monitor the opening is challenged; and

iv. to enhance the customer experience through further infrastructural improvements at the Road Town Jetty and other ports of entry in light of COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

The BVI Ports Authority apologises for any inconvenience caused to residents, industry partners and our visitors.
We want everyone to experience an authentic BVILOVE welcome from the moment they begin their journey to our islands and throughout the entire entry process at our seaports.
BVI Ports, we keep moving forward.

I'm shocked, shocked to hear that it's being delayed.

Ah, Casablanca!

The full text of the BVI Ports Authority announcement about the delay in reopening the Road Town Jetty.

Unfortunately, potential tourists are now attempting to change their flights or cancelling them. I would not make a reservation for STT based upon the April 15,2021
proposed port opening, since it may well be an approximation.

Surprise Surprise!!!

After much consideration, I changed our June trip from St. Thomas to Beef Island last week. The uncertainty of the ferry situation and the limited seats in the smaller planes that fly into Beef were my primary reasons. The tickets were $980 each, which hurt, but my concern was that they might be much more than this with disruptions caused by the ferry not running or a more limited schedule once it opens. By the way, I have not heard anything about a more limited schedule. However, it seems logical that the demand will be way down if the quarantine is still in place.

I am VERY glad I waited and have not yet changed our flights for June...I am still nervous about the Intercaribbean portion so not sure what I will do about that....