The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) will deny use of its seaports to several commercial users of its marine facilities that have past due and delinquent accounts and have failed to make arrangements to settle their debts within the deadline. Effective Monday, June 4, VIPA will begin strict enforcement of its Marine Rules and Regulations, which require prompt payment of charges for use of its facilities and gives the authority the right to refuse the use of port facilities and services to any delinquent user of its ports.
VIPA will issue cease and desist orders to six commercial operators, prohibiting them from using VIPA marine port facilities, beginning June 4, until their debt to the VIPA is paid in full.
These commercial operators remain delinquent despite VIPA’s repeated attempts to collect payment, which has included telephone calls, debt notices, posted flyers and certified mailings of collection letters and warnings that VIPA will prohibit use of its marine facilities if their accounts are not paid or payment arrangements are made.
Delinquent operators are advised to pay the amounts past due or to contact VIPA’s accounting office to set up a payment plan. Some have done so; however, as of May 31, the authority has reported that there are still six commercial operators who have not contacted it to settle its past due accounts. These companies will be barred from berthing at any VIPA-owned port until the debt has been paid in full.
Companies that have outstanding financial obligations or wish to dispute billings should contact VIPA’s Accounting Office. Call 774-1629 or e-mail CDover@viport.com.
