Update on this from our experience this month.

When we brought the boat from the BVI to the USVI we cleared via Roam and were approved within about 15 minutes. We did not have any food on the boat because we were picking up all our food provisions in the USVI. At the end of the trip we brought the boat back into the USVI and still had some provisions on board from our original shop so I did declare meats on our form. After about 2 hours of waiting to get approved I called them. They asked me what type of food we had on board and I told them. They made us bring the boat into the dock in Cruz Bay and went through our fridge and freezer. They took all meat (except cooked chicken and seafood) off the boat to dispose of.

Lessons learned: You can't bring meats into the USVI. Even if it was originally purchased in the USVI, if it left the territory it is considered to be contaminated. The only exception to this rule is cooked chicken (not raw) and anything that swam in the ocean.

The entire time I was very respectful with the officers and they were very friendly and helpful. I asked them if we were in trouble and they said we were not and in fact thanked us for being honest and declaring the items.

Just FYI, in the past I have done this same thing: declared the meat, had the phone call and they told me to just not let the food come off the boat. This time, I think they were training a new guy and they followed protocol.

Sue
s/v Ripple
Leopard 40

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