Seven vehicles went under the hammer at the Port of Bridgetown yesterday and they were sold within 45 minutes.
That is according to a release from the Barbados Port Inc., which denied media access to the public auction held to sell the remaining unclaimed vehicles.
About 250 people turned up for the auction. Last February, the port appealed to importers of vehicles to make every effort to clear their obligations with the Customs and Excise Department as 469 vehicles remained unclaimed and another 842 were scheduled to arrive.
Public notices of yesterday’s auction prompted those importers to act.
“Following the February 15, 2025 appeal to consignees to hasten the clearance and collection of their cargo and the announcement that cargo remaining for more than 30 days was classified as aged and could be offered for sale by auction if it remains unclaimed, most of the vehicles have been delivered to consignees,” the release said. Over that time, the number dwindled from 1 000 to 300 and then just under 50. It was expected that 26 vehicles would be auctioned. “The primary thrust of the auction was to decongest the port and to maximise the space available for incoming cargo – a factor critical to cargo handling efficiency,” said chief executive officer David Jean-Marie in the statement. “Consignees over the last eight weeks responded to the appeal, moved to obtain clearance and delivery of their cargo and to settle their
obligations.”
Winning bidders
Winning bidders have until April 23 to claim the vehicles.
The release said ten cases were filed under the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport Appeals Mechanism, leading to some vehicles being withdrawn from auction, some delivered to consignees and others under review.
“While some auction attendees expressed disappointment in the number of vehicles on offer today, it must be remembered that the sale of goods by auction is an action of last resort, after all efforts aimed at encouraging consignees to collect their cargo have failed,” Jean-Marie pointed out.
“The aged cargo list must be reviewed by the Customs and Excise Department to ensure there is no direct legitimate interest in the vehicles prior to their being offered for sale, allowing the consignee the option of clearing and collecting their assigned cargo.” ( PR/SAT)
