The Barbados Port Inc. has received a number of requests about cargo clearance and how the designation as a 24-hour service will affect the delivery of cargo during the period March 30 to April 14, 2020. Please be advised in this regard as follows:

• The 24-hour operation of BPI for the working of cargo vessels will remain in place. Ships which arrive in the Port will be discharged/loaded on a 24-hour basis.
• BPI will open for delivery of cargo from 7:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M.
• All cargo is subject to full risk assessment and security management by the relevant enforcement agencies prior to release from the Port.

It is BPI’s commitment to ensure the continued delivery of essential supplies such as pharmaceuticals, medical products, food products, alcohol for medial products (not rum) and fertilizer for farmers during this period of crisis, while we fight to contain the spread of COVID-19 in our country and simultaneously meet our obligations to ensure the security of our borders. The BPI has agreed to waive storage fees during this period.

Please be reminded that the authority to provide exemptions to the above does not lie with BPI and all such requests should be directed to the Office of the Attorney General, in whom authority has been vested.