No Closure of Ports – Major Reese

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is denying reports that the ports in Kingston were closed for three days due to the effects of the smog emanating from the fire at the Riverton disposal site.

Chief Executive Officer of the JCA, Major Richard Reese, said no significant disruption was experienced at the ports.

He told JIS News that the Adolph Levy Warehouse was closed for about two hours on March 12 and 13 and the Kingston Wharves closed for approximately two to three hours on both days.

Major Reese said there was limited disruption at the Kingston Container Terminal (KCT) for short periods due to wind changes on those days.

He pointed out that clearance of goods with the port operators was not stopped for three days. “There may have been some effect on vessels coming into port, but once the wind direction changed, activities resumed. But there was no three-day stoppage at the ports,” Major Reese emphasised.

He noted that during the time staff working at the ports stayed in their revenue stations until the wind conditions changed to allow for the clearance of vessels in the port.

Major Reese said operations continued throughout the weekend and things have returned to normal. “We should commend the port workers, operators and the customs team and the relevant Government agencies for the sterling efforts in ensuring that trade is facilitated and revenue is collected,” he said.