23/03/2020
Good Afternoon All,
This seems like an appropriate time to let you all know how we are affected here in the BVI as to COVID-19 and what our current capabilities are.
CMS AND THE BVI
- We are currently in the office and working. We are of course maintaining social distancing and sanitization procedures. There are currently NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the BVI, however we believe that the likelihood of it not being here is minimal.
- As of last night the BVI closed its borders (for 14 days in the first instance) to all incoming persons, whether they are citizens are not. This means that we cannot leave unless we don’t plan on coming back until this all blows over. We are still managing claims in other countries between Panama and Florida using the contacts we have amassed over the years and can (in most cases) work with a minimum of difficulty in other jurisdictions remotely.
- Businesses here are under curfew from 2000-0600. This doesn’t affect our usual working hours or our ability to respond in an emergency.
- Inspections during the day for surveys of all types, including coding, continue as normal locally, while the government permits.
- We think it is likely that the territory will go into lockdown as is happening elsewhere in the world. We have made arrangements to be able to continue doing business from our homes and have full access to all casefiles and data remotely. With the exception of in-person, physical, inspections, we can operate as usual.
- Our office is secured with 24 hour security (as is permitted by government) in order to keep your privileged information safe.
- We have had some minor delays in some of our overseas work in terms of trying to wait out and determine whether or not we would be able to make our inspections. There will be no further delays and we are now making arrangements to carry out remote inspections where possible. We will comment on cases individually as and when possible.
- As the duration of this period of difficulty is presently unknown, we think plans for the upcoming hurricane season are worth exploring at this time. It may not be possible to move assets across borders due to restrictions.
THE CARIBBEAN IN GENERAL
I have added below the latest reports as to the status elsewhere in the Caribbean as pertaining to the borders and cruising yachts as compiled and updated daily by a collective group of cruisers. I have not verified this information this morning, however we are happy to advise and or verify as you all need, just ask. This information has been reasonably accurate over the past few days based on spot checks of info.
“TRINIDAD is closed.
ST LUCIA is closed.
ARUBA is closed
BONAIRE is closed.
CURAÇAO is closed.
BVI's are closed.
MARIE-GALANTE and THE SAINTS are closed.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC is closed.
ST MAARTEN (Dutch) is closed Monday. It appears the French side will be doing the same.
ANGUILLA has a mandatory 14 day quarantine.
BERMUDA is closed.
DOMINICA is closed.
GRENADA is closed.
MONTSERRAT has a mandatory 14 day quarantine.
MARTINIQUE is closed.
GUADELOUPE is closed.
TURKS & CAICOS will be closed as of Tuesday, March 24
ANTIGUA only has check in and health at Heritage Quay in St John's, you must pre register with www.eseaclear.com . Call ahead using the numbers attached to make life easier.
ST KITTS Port Zante (including Marina), Deep Water Port (Bird Rock), Christophe Harbour and New Guinea (St. Kitts Marine Works). You must dock at one of these points of entry. The list of banned countries and nationals from those countries is growing.
NEVIS Charlestown Pier and Long Point Deep Water Port. You must dock at one of these points of entry
SABA and STATIA are in lockdown.
PUERTO RICO is in lockdown. Ports are open.
USV's ports are open but more land restrictions.
SVG no restrictions. Yet.
BERMUDA is closed to yachts.
BAHAMAS have banned all inter-island sailing, but borders are open (not if you've been in a banned country in the last 20 days)”
In the event that we go to lockdown, the office phone will still be manned (after Irma/Maria we went cellular with all lines). Please do try to direct general inquiries through the normal channels so that we can manage as necessary. Our individual contact details are as follows:
Any questions just ask.
General Inquiries/Lenroy Quashie
[email protected]
+1 (284) 346-2091
Bill Bailey
[email protected]
+1 (284) 346-1576
+1 (284) 499-1576
Andrew Ball
[email protected]
+1 (284) 346-6242
Chris Smith
[email protected]
+1 (284) 346-8105
Anna Orchard
[email protected]
+1 (284) 346-1518
Please feel free to circulate as you see necessary.
As always, stay smart, stay healthy, stay safe. In the meantime.... here's a photo of all of us and Chris doing his best Popeye impression!
All the best,
The CMS Team
