The Government of the Virgin Islands has said that it is actively monitoring the strike by the dockworkers at ports along the eastern seaboard of the United States that is affecting ports from Maine to Texas.

“I am pleased to inform you that the British Virgin Islands Port Authority (BVIPA) has confirmed that all scheduled shipments for October are expected to proceed without interruption. Meanwhile, the West Palm Beach Port, a vital hub for Tropical Shipping—the primary carrier for our cargo from the USA—is not participating in the strike and continues to operate normally.” Honourable Kye Rymer

“While our shipping lines do not operate through unionised ports, we recognise that the duration of these strikes could potentially impact our supply chain. We remain hopeful for a swift resolution; however, extended disruptions may lead to delays in our shipments. It is crucial to note that shipping companies prioritise essential goods, and our supermarkets are actively coordinating with suppliers to manage inventory levels effectively. We will keep you updated as we continue to monitor this situation closely.” Honourable Rymer went on to say. 

U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast dockworkers began their first large-scale strike in nearly 50 years yesterday Tuesday, October 1, halting the flow of about half the country's ocean shipping, after negotiations for a new labor contract broke down over wages.

The strike blocks everything from food to automobile shipments across dozens of ports from Maine to Texas, a disruption analysts warned will cost the economy billions of dollars a day, threaten jobs and potentially stoke inflation.

The General Manager for one of the BVI’s largest food retailers said that he wasn’t ‘worried at this particular time, but indicated that residual impact could affect prices later in the year, and possibly create shortages around Christmas time.’

Guavaberry Media will continue to monitor this developing story.