the ports have proven their capacity to handle significant traffic volumes while supporting broader economic growth across key sectors. “I would probably say that it is similar, slightly not a major increase,” Fahie says when assessing current economic conditions. “Our role is to ensure that we have the facility to ensure that whenever there’s room for improvement or development, that we are there to ensure that it grows, it is developed. But there are a number of areas that need to be addressed in terms of economic development.” The authority positions itself strategically to accommodate economic expansion through infrastructure readiness. “Primarily we are here to ensure that as a gateway to the BVI, whatever comes in comes through our facility. We are making sure that we adequately equip ourselves and we adequately have sufficient areas or space so that if we have an influx of containers, for example, we can add free housing. If there’s a demand from a ship to do additional work, we must ensure that we are ready and in a position to assist,” Fahie explains. Construction materials are the most significant growth sector flowing through the ports, indicating ongoing recovery and development efforts.“Primarily, I think we’re still seeing some development in construction even after the hurricane. Portions are still making several construction repairs, but that’s where we see mostly development in construction. So, we see a lot of building material coming in,” Fahie notes. “Food supplies are constantly coming in as well, containerized cargo coming in on a regular basis.” Capital investment priorities focus heavily on expanding cargo handling capabilities and enhancing security infrastructure. “We have been refurbishing our various warehouses to ensure that we have sufficient space to accommodate the influx of cargo that we’ve seen. We’ve been building a new hazmat warehouse to deal with all our hazmat goods that are coming into the territory, so they are isolated from the regular cargo,” Fahie asserts. Tourism infrastructure plays an equally vital role in economic development. “I feel that the role that 44 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 09
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