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VI Shipping & Maritime Authority now a fully operational statutory body
According to a press release from the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, the session included a review of the Statutory Boards Policy, which ensures that Statutory Boards align with best practices in governance and operational procedures.
Board members
The new Board of Directors commencing their official duties on September 1, 2024, includes Mr Romney A. Penn (Chairman), Ms Hermia Tench (Deputy Chairman), Mr Albert O. Wheatley, Mr Berke Ayazli, Ms Rochelle Lawrence, Mrs Mitsy J. Ellis-Simpson, and Mr Olanzo A. Boynes.
The Board’s appointment comes at a crucial time as there are ongoing efforts to strengthen the governance framework of statutory boards as part of the Virgin Islands Modern Governance Approach, Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Mrs Carolyn E. Stoutt Igwe said.
She added that the session marked a pivotal moment in the Authority's transition from the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry to a fully operational statutory board under the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority Act, 2023.
Select sections of the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority Act (1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10) came into effect on December 15, 2023. With the remainder of the Act set to come into force on August 15, 2024, the operational integration of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry under the new governance structure is nearing completion.
Many boats ‘do not bear our name’- Romney A. Penn
During the session, Deputy Director of Human Resources Ms Kaisa Penn briefed the Board members on the framework for the transition of existing personnel from the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry over to the Authority and Directors were introduced to key members of the Executive Team of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry during the session.
Meanwhile, Chairman Penn stated, "I am happy for this great opportunity. Based on my experience with managing various companies, locally and internationally, I will be able to make difficult decisions as necessary…There are many boats that do not bear our name and I think we should fully tap into those markets.”
The release added that the new Authority is expected to improve the ability of the Virgin Islands to maintain a fully functional Category I British Maritime Administration, through consistent compliance with Global and UK-implemented maritime standards.
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12 Responses to “VI Shipping & Maritime Authority now a fully operational statutory body”
The person sitting beside him is a maritime lawyer.
No statutory body on BVI is fully operational.
Great job.
And I really want to see this work very well.
Mr Penn I applaud you,
Mrs Simpson I applaud you.
All others I applaud also.
Our BVI need strong, honest leadership.
We look forward to all members.