All clear for free Christmas barrels

Everything is in place to facilitate the smooth delivery of barrels as the period of duty-free entry of Christmas barrels officially got underway yesterday, Monday November 8.{{more}}

Chairman of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority Edwin Snagg said that based on the large numbers of barrels which usually arrive in the country at this time, this year the authorities were again expecting a busy season.

“The port is well poised to handle the situation,” Snagg said, adding that everything was in place.

“There may be a few hiccups, but everything is in place for the smooth delivery of Christmas barrels, but we want to solicit the cooperation of the general public,” he added.

Snagg also said that starting from the 15th of this month, the Port Authority will begin hiring temporary staff.

In his Independence Day address to the nation, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves indicated that in keeping with his government’s policy, duty-free concessions would be granted on all Christmas barrels and packages entering the country during the period November 8, 2010 to January 14, 2011. (DD)