Simpson Bay dock closes 7 October as Immigration moves to PJIA

The Simpson Bay dock will close to the public on Wednesday 7 October as the Government begins the main construction phase of a rebuilding and beautification project. The Ministry of Justice said Immigration services normally provided at the dock will temporarily move to the Ferry Dock at Princess Juliana International Airport, operating daily from 7am to 6pm AST.

The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure, VROMI, is carrying out the project with The Gioia Group. The work is expected to take about two to three months, according to the Government.

Preparatory work over the past month included removing lights, damaged fencing, abandoned vehicles and a waste bin, the Government said. Access to the dock will be restricted during construction.

The project includes reconstruction of the dock, rebuilding the parking area, a garbage room, trees and landscaping, repairs to the adjacent police station and sewage treatment system, and work around the police and Immigration station. The Ministry of Justice said it is discussing a possible additional temporary service location for the maritime community.

The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, TEATT, asked yacht agents, captains, marinas and vessel operators to take note of the temporary arrangements during the refurbishment period.