The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON Tribune Staff Reporter cnixon@tribunemedia.net THE Arawak Cay container port will be operational in less than two months, according to Minister of State for Finance Zhivargo Laing. During a question-and-answer session in the House of Assembly yesterday, the Marco City MP announced that as of April 1, all customs operations in New Providence will be situated at the 25,000 square foot Nassau Container Port Break Bulk Terminal at Arawak Cay. Mr Laing said centralising all customs operations in Nassau at the new port is part of the government's efforts to completely "revamp communication and technology capabilities" at the Customs Department. He said the government has also strengthened the department with additional staff and resources, in an effort to bring it in line with international standards. Mr Laing said: "We believe that these developments will greatly improve efficiency, security and revenue collection for the benefit of the Bahamian people." All ports used for the purposes of landing foreign goods, freight, cargo, containers, freight equipment, bulk materials and/or that exports goods, freight, cargo, containers, freight equipment, or bulk materials now situated at the John Alfred Dock and Union Dock will cease operations and all rights granted to them will be revoked effective midnight March 31. The Gladstone Freight Terminal will be used as a transit shed, also beginning April 1. According to Mr Laing, Clifton Pier will be appointed a "sufferance port", but will be subjected to various restrictions. These include: that the port must be used solely for the loading and unloading of fuels, petroleum products, asphalt and cement; that 24 hours notice must be given to the Customs Department prior to each delivery of fuel; and transportation of custom officers shall be provided by the importing companies.