MERCI À Richard et Diane (RODIGNARD)
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA MARINE ASSOCIATION MEMO
Customs Clearance of Aid and Immigration Procedures for Barbuda and Dominica Nationals
The ABMA has sought clarification from NODS (National Office of Disaster Services) and the Department of Customs and Immigration for Antigua and Barbuda of the procedures needed to be followed by any vessel bringing aid into Antigua, or individual bringing aid through the airport, as well as immigration for people arriving from islands impacted by hurricanes.
One cautionary note – all officials are doing their utmost to expedite matters in terms of relief and aid but please understand that procedures still need to be followed and where possible communicate and plan-ahead. Once officials know you need assistance they can plan to give it. As with everyone involved in the efforts they are under pressure and do understand the need to do all in their power to assist. We ask that you remember they are still officers and representatives of the government and as such are governed by the laws in place. They are dealing with new ‘exceptions’ to operations daily and the relevant officers along with the ABMA are working together to smooth the process as much as is feasible.
Bringing Aid through the Airport
1. Please prepare a manifest showing the items being imported. 2. Email the manifest to nodsanu@gmail.com and include the date and time of your flight arrival and confirm whether the relief is for Barbuda or Dominica 3. Package the goods in a separate bag or in a bag that can be removed from your main bag and label it as follows: Barbuda Relief/Dominica Relief, C/O NODS, American Road, St. John’s. 4. On arrival at the airport when clearing customs, declare the goods to the customs officer and hand over the manifest. 5. Customs will inspect the goods and once checked will issue a detention slip that will be given to NODS. 6. NODS will collect the goods from the airport.
Bringing in Aid on a yacht for Antigua and Barbuda
1. Please prepare a manifest showing the items being imported.
2. Email the manifest to nodsanu@gmail.com and include the date and time of your expected arrival into Antigua and confirm whether the relief is for Barbuda, Dominica or any other island.
3. On arrival into Antigua declare the goods to customs. Goods will need to be removed from the yacht.
4. NODS will then arrange for transport to move the goods from the dock to a warehouse for inspection.
5. NODS will then organise for the relief to be sent to the designated island.
Bringing a yacht into Antigua for onward travel to another island
If relief items are leaving via yacht a list of the goods must be presented to customs prior to receiving clearance. If the yacht has in transit relief items or any cargo a list must be presented to customs also at time.
Medical Supplies & Food Items
The manifest is critical as part of the process and all items must be listed so that especially medical or food items can be identified and dealt with appropriately in terms of storage. The manifest will also assist in the planning of transportation to move the goods to the warehouse. (applicable where aid is coming into Antigua for onward distribution).
Working with other Agencies
A number of other agencies as well as NODS are working to bring aid to or through Antigua for Barbuda, Dominica and other islands. If you prefer to work with them please get in touch with them prior to arriving in Antigua to agree and understand any additional requirements they may have.
Agencies we are familiar with and are actively engaged on the ground are:
The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross (Barbuda) – https://www.facebook.com/AntiguaBarbudaRedCross/ Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (Barbuda & Dominica) - https://www.facebook.com/ABSAR-16164620397 Yacht Aid Global (Caribbean) – http://www.yachtaidglobal.org The Waitt Institute (Barbuda) – http://www.waittinstitute.org
Immigration
If any boats are transporting nationals from affected islands, boats must clear into to Heritage Quay, St. John’s where people will be assessed and cleared in. This is imperative from a health and security standpoint.
Please pass this on to any vessels or individuals who will be dealing with aid of any sort for Dominica, Barbuda or any of the other affected islands as a matter of urgency.
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