The Honorable Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Albert Bryan Jr., announced yesterday during his press briefing that all cruise activity territory-wide is suspended for at least 30 days. Cruise lines have voluntarily halted operations until the coronavirus pandemic can be controlled. All cruise calls to the U.S. Virgin Islands have been canceled. While we may see a cruise ship in our harbors or near the islands from time to time, these ships will not be transporting tourists nor will anyone on board be allowed to disembark without permission and escort from the V.I. Department of Health.
Cargo and ferry operations, including service to the British Virgin Islands, will continue in the territory. Both the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix are open and are operating under the guidelines of the Federal Aviation Administration. We encourage all our tenants to be diligent in keeping clean surroundings, using hand sanitizers, washing hands often and staying home if you feel ill.
The USVI Department of Health provides guidelines regarding the coronavirus pandemic at https://doh.vi.gov/covid19usvi. VIPA acknowledges the serious economic impact the cancellation of cruise activity may cause for our tenants and the territory’s economy. We are hopeful that a resolution to this very serious matter will be reached soon. We remain committed to the health and safety of our employees, tenants and partners. Together, we will get through this.
For more information, please contact our Public Relations Office at info@viport.com or (340) 774-1629.
Carlton Dowe, Executive Director
VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY
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