Staff Writer
The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) is pleased to announce the opening of the brand-new ferry terminal facility at the port of Blowing Point, Anguilla. The official opening ceremony took place on January 20, 2023 at 3:30 pm, attended by Government officials, tourism stakeholders, media representatives, and representatives from other governmental departments and statutory bodies. The Blowing Point Ferry Terminal began operations on Monday, January 30, 2023.
“This Administration made a commitment to significantly modernize Anguilla’s infrastructure, for the benefit of both our visitors and importantly, our on-island community,” stated the Hon. Minister Haydn Hughes, Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Housing, Utilities and Tourism for Anguilla. “The opening of the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal is yet another commitment fulfilled, along with the redesign of The Valley Main Road, the recent upgrades at the Airport, and the development of the 20-year Airport Master Plan. We are at once enhancing the visitor experience and enhancing the lives of our local residents.”
The state-of-the-art facility comprises 18,336 square feet and is fully air-conditioned. A VIP reception area, three concession areas, along with a Tourism Information Desk, restrooms in both the arrival and departure lounges, WIFI connectivity throughout the building, and an ATM to facilitate last-minute purchases or departure taxes, round out the amenities and services available. There will be signage representing Anguilla’s hotels, villas, restaurants, attractions etc. throughout the ferry terminal.
“We welcome the opening of the new Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, and we are proud of this wonderful new facility that will transform Anguilla’s arrival and departure experience,” declared Mr. Kenroy Herbert, Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board. “Blowing Point is still the main port of entry for the majority of our visitors, it is their first impression of our island, while our local residents transit daily. This new facility reflects the premium vacation experience that destination Anguilla offers, and ensures that the first and last impressions of our island will be memorable, for all the right reasons.”
Six Immigration stations enable the speedy and efficient processing of visitors and residents on arrival, and separate baggage handling locations in both the arrival and departure areas are designed to ease congestion within the terminal. Eighty (80) passengers per thirty (30) minutes can be comfortably facilitated upon arrival, while the Departure Lounge can accommodate 128 persons.
Two parking lots and a Taxi Stand with clearly marked pick-up/drop-off areas ensure smooth traffic flows and ease of access to the new terminal building. The new facility was designed by Anguillian architect Raoul Vanterpool of V Architecture & Design Studio. Leeward Construction Company Ltd. carried out construction over a 16-month period, at a cost of approximately US$7 million, with funding provided by the United Kingdom Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, Anguilla. Photo Credit: Zuri Wilkes
