The newly appointed Board of Directors of the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority has concluded its inaugural orientation session and is now a fully operational statutory board. Photo: GIS

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), 4th from left, is flanked by Members of the Board of Directors of the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority. Photo: GIS

The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry has transitioned into a fully operational statutory board under the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority Act, 2023. Photo: Facebook

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.