The West Indian Company Limited board welcomed new member Vincent Richard as it met on Thursday to discuss the new hotel project in Havensight, and projections for ship calls to WICO’s dock in 2024.
President and CEO Anthony Ottley reported that WICO was working in partnership with the Government Employees’ Retirement System on issues related to the Haven Development hotel project on GERS property in Havensight, which included providing access to the work site, addressing security concerns, and being included on the project’s liability insurance. Work is now underway installing the necessary pilings, according to the press release.
Other construction and maintenance projects included repairs to the Customs and Border Protection offices, general maintenance of the property, minor repairs due to Tropical Storm Philippe, and the removal of an unsalvageable mahogany tree. The Public Works Department assisted by pruning the mahogany trees along Frenchman’s Bay Road to eliminate dead branches to protect pedestrians and vehicular traffic, the release stated. viNGN is installing Wi-Fi antennas on WICO’s property to provide free internet access to passengers and visitors to the Havensight Mall, it said.
Security measures were reported, including a spot check inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard, which found no deficiencies. Security stanchions and gates to the western end of the property now allow tenant access to businesses during non-operational hours. Crossing guards continue to be stationed at the Havensight intersections when ships remain in port later into the evening for added safety, the release stated.
Fiscal year 2023 closed out with 261 ship calls, bringing 825,247 passengers to Havensight, while FY24’s projected calls currently show 280 visits. FY25 projected calls will be provided at the end of the year as berthing requests are received from the cruise lines, it said.
Cruise ship capacities were reported to be in the 95 percent and higher range, which is expected to continue in FY24. Berthing conflicts due to excessive length combinations, time conflicts and inner berth depth restrictions will be alleviated by the upcoming Charlotte Amalie harbor dredging, which will also reduce the need to turn away ships due to depth limitations, which has started to occur, according to the release.
In the executive session, the WICO board discussed personnel matters and business relations, it said.
