Efficiency to be increased at Ports with Port ID card

British Virgin Islands: With the implementation of the BVI Ports Authority Port ID card frequent users of the ports will now be able to clear security more efficiently, according to a report on BVInews.com.

Yesterday, the BVI Ports Authority launched their Port Identification Card campaign to inform frequent visitors to the ports of security changes. The campaign according to Port Management is a re-launch of the Port ID card initiative to increase security at the ports.

“Effective 15 April, 2012 persons operating any type of business at the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority and having to regularly access our ports and terminals will be required to present a port issued ID card,” Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Gene Creque told the Department of Information and Public Relations, adding, “that this procedure would greatly expedite the security process and reduce time spent clearing security”.

Persons who conduct frequent business at our ports or terminals are strongly encouraged to apply for a Port ID card. The registration form which can be obtained from the Port Authority Administration building in Port Purcell should be accompanied by two forms of identification, a sponsorship letter, a company identification letter and a $25 processing fee, the BVinews.com reported.

Mr. Creque explained that the sponsorship letter would have to be submitted on the company’s letter head that the individual represents. The letter must state the duration of the contract and be signed by an authorized signatory of the sponsoring company. In addition, the company identification letter must also be produced on the company letterhead and should include the full names of those employees who will be delivering goods and services on behalf of the business and signed by an authorized signatory.

Registration begins March 19 and cards will be granted at the sole discretion of port management.

The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority is responsible for the provision of required (sea) ports infrastructure that is critical in the efficient handling of passenger and cargo transportation, which helps to bolster the Territory’s economy, the BVInews.com report stated.