Despite the recession, barrels packed with all kinds of goodies are rolling into the island.
The Barbados Port Inc. has confirmed that the number of barrels being cleared and delivered to individuals is exceeding last year’s imports.
The manager of terminal operations, Ian Stewart, said that they were clearing an average of about 580 barrels per day. For the first ten days of December they processed and delivered 3 177 of the cylindrical containers.
“This year we are seeing more personal effects than before, so there are more people coming to receive barrels and this year we are delivering more than last year,” he said.
Barrel shipments come mainly from the United States where Bajans living there pack them with personal effects and gifts for relatives and friends.
To lighten the usual Christmas crush, Stewart is advising people expecting barrels to check by phone first before coming to the Bridgetown Port to collect, “because we do not want to disappoint anyone”.
“Our computer system allows us to check very quickly if the barrel is ready, so it is wise to call first,” Stewart said.
“We should have all out by Christmas, but we must bear in mind that some people do not come for their barrels and some come after Christmas. We will also be open on Christmas Eve, from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m,” Stewart said.
Marketing manager Freida Nicholls said from January to December 15, 2009, they processed 49 590 barrels while for the same period this year they have already processed 50 582 barrels.
Since December 13, the port has extended its opening hours starting from 7 a.m and closing at 7 p.m. on weekdays. Tomorrow and Sunday it closes at 4 p.m.
The clearing process takes approximately two hours, depending on the number of barrels that a customer is clearing, Stewart added.
