Operations of the cruise terminals in the Bridgetown Port will transition to Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) from January 1 next year, port officials said on Saturday.
This follows the decision of Bridgetown Cruise Terminals Inc. (BCTI) to end its lease agreement.
“Following discussions between BPI and BCTI, a decision has been made by the board of directors of BCTI not to seek a further extension to the lease arrangement for the management and operation of the cruise terminal, beyond December 31, 2021,” a BPI news release stated.
The news release added: “To ensure a seamless transfer, given that this takes place during the peak cruise season, management of BCTI and BPI are working closely in coordinating matters that will need to be addressed, including ongoing maintenance, staffing requirements, review of existing contracts, tenant and lease arrangements, and management oversight.”
BCTI has operated the cruise terminals in the Port for the past 27 years under a lease agreed to with BPI, formerly Barbados Port Authority.
The lease was renewed several times, with the latest agreement in effect from January 1, 2019.
BPI said it appreciated the work of the board, management, and staff of BCTI that worked over the past 27 years “to create an enviable destination experience for cruise guests as well as revenue gains for Barbadians”.
“The board and management of BPI gives the assurance that BPI will continue to focus on development of the cruise sector to ensure that the guest experience is unmatched and that the social and economic benefit of cruise to Barbados continues to expand,” the news release stated.
(PR/AR)
