Plans to upgrade Anegada’s main port have been temporarily halted to allow residents the opportunity to provide input, with the first community meeting scheduled for October 30.
Former Chairman of the Anegada Land Development Advisory Committee Darrel Ruan confirmed the decision following discussions with BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) Managing Director Akeem Pickering on October 24. Both parties agreed to pause the project while issues raised by residents are addressed.
Ruan explained that while recent media coverage had focused on the BVIPA’s announcement of the upgrades, key contextual matters had been overlooked—including the fact that the Authority does not yet hold title to the property it plans to develop, and that several local landowners remain without access to water and electricity due to unresolved land title disputes.
Just two days earlier, reports had highlighted that construction was already underway at the port. Works included the installation of a 40-foot container office to accommodate Her Majesty’s Customs, Immigration, ferry agents, and BVIPA staff. Other improvements—such as perimeter fencing, covered waiting areas, upgraded restrooms, and new main and secondary gates—were intended to bring the facility up to international standards.
Residents had broadly welcomed the upgrades, noting that the previous lack of shelter and outdated facilities often left passengers exposed to sun and rain, particularly during the annual Anegada Lobster Festival.
In 2023, BVIPA Managing Director Pickering had pledged to improve the terminal, describing port management as “decent” and assuring the public that further enhancements would be completed by 2024—a move that was welcomed by residents frustrated by years of inadequate facilities.
It is also notable that in July 2024, Anegada residents re-elected Ruan, along with five former members and two new members, to represent them on the Anegada Land Development Advisory Committee. The group has been awaiting formal reappointment by the Government for over 15 months to the newly constituted Anegada Lands Standing Committee, as required under the Crown Land Management Act.
In a statement, Ruan stressed, “Why should we accept the bare minimum handed to us without the opportunity to input? Right is right and wrong is wrong.”
Thursday’s meeting will bring together Anegada residents and BVIPA officials to discuss next steps for the project.
