As BVI Ports Authority Ambassador, Ms Reba Evans, left, seen here with Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), will represent the Authority at selected BVI Ports Authority conferences, events and engagements throughout the year, helping to promote the organisation and strengthen its connection with the wider community. Photo: BVIPA

Mr Gene E. Creque, left, former Deputy Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, was recognised by BVIPA on October 3, 2026. He is seen here receiving a plaque from Acting Managing Director Dean B. Fahie. Photo: BVIPA

Mrs Myrthlyn Hodge, left, former Financial Comptroller of the BVIPA, was recognised for their service and contributions to the development and advancement of the Authority. Photo: BVIPA

Held from October 1-2, 2026, at Maria’s by the Sea under the theme “Innovation and Sustainability in Seaport Operations,” PortVision brought together industry leaders, government officials, regional partners, port professionals and members of the business community for two days of meaningful dialogue focused on the future of the maritime and ports sector.

The inaugural conference explored key areas critical to the continued growth and development of VI’s ports, including innovation, technology, security, tourism, customer experience, trade, business development, resilience and sustainability.

According to a press release from BVIPA, discussions also examined the important role ports play as economic enablers and reinforced the need for continued investment in infrastructure, people, strategic partnerships and modern solutions to respond to the evolving demands of the maritime industry.

BVIPA said PortVision was created as a platform for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas, share expertise and identify opportunities to advance the Territory’s seaport operations. "Its successful inaugural staging also established a foundation for the conference to grow into a significant regional forum for conversations surrounding port development, maritime innovation and sustainability," BVIPA stated.

Recognition ceremony

The Authority’s anniversary celebrations culminated on Saturday, October 3, 2026, with its 35th Anniversary Gala held at Prime Restaurant, bringing together staff, stakeholders, partners and invited guests for an evening of celebration, recognition and reflection.

A special feature of the evening was the recognition of Mr Gene E. Creque, former Deputy Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, and Mrs Myrthlyn Hodge, former Financial Comptroller, for their service and contributions to the development and advancement of the Authority.

BVIPA said their recognition formed part of the Authority’s commemoration of the people who have helped shape its journey over the past 35 years and contributed to the foundation upon which the organisation continues to build.

BVIPA Ambassador

The evening also marked a historic first for the Authority with the announcement of Ms Reba Evans as the first-ever BVI Ports Authority Ambassador.

As BVIPA Ambassador, Ms Evans will represent the Authority at selected BVI Ports Authority conferences, events and engagements throughout the year, helping to promote the organisation and strengthen its connection with the wider community.

As part of the Ambassador recognition, Ms Evans received an all-expenses-paid cruise for two.

The introduction of the BVIPA Ambassador initiative adds another dimension to the Authority’s community engagement efforts and creates an opportunity for its Ambassador to become an active representative of the BVIPA brand and its activities.

"Together, the PortVision Conference held October 1–2 and the 35th Anniversary Gala on October 3 provided a fitting culmination to the Authority’s milestone celebrations recognising its past, celebrating its people and creating new platforms for its future.

"As the Authority moves beyond its 35th year, BVIPA remains committed to innovation, service excellence, strategic partnerships, investment in its people and the continued transformation of the BVI’s ports in support of the economic and social development of the Virgin Islands," BVIPA stated in the press release.