BVI Delegation Attends Pmac Agm
A three-member delegation from the BVI Ports Authority attended the 29th Annual General Meeting of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean in Paramaribo, Suriname, held July 8–10, 2026. The forum focused on port electrification, maritime security and infrastructure resilience—topics of direct relevance to the BVI’s ports, tourism and disaster preparedness.
A delegation from the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) participated in the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC) 29th Annual General Meeting in Paramaribo, Suriname, held from July 8 to 10, 2026. Representing the BVIPA were Mrs Tracia Smith-Hodge, Ms Shirmel Benjamin and Mr Shaun Mactavious.
Havenbeheer Suriname and held at the Royal Torarica Hotel, gathered regional port authorities and maritime professionals around the theme "Transitioning in an Era of Global Change." The multi-day forum featured sessions on port electrification, maritime security and infrastructure resilience—areas that carry immediate implications for the BVI.
As a territory dependent on maritime trade, yachting and cruise tourism, the BVI’s ports are central to the economy and community access. Discussions on electrification touched on opportunities for shore power, electrified cargo handling and lower-emission operations; these developments could help reduce fuel costs and environmental impact for BVI terminals and operators.
Maritime security panels addressed evolving threats in regional waters, including cargo theft, illegal fishing and the need for stronger port coordination. For the BVI, enhanced security measures support safe tourism and protect supply chains that bring goods to islanders. Sessions on infrastructure resilience focused on strengthening port facilities against extreme weather and sea-level rise—a matter of ongoing concern given the territory’s exposure to hurricanes and storm surge.
Opening-ceremony remarks were delivered by Her Excellency Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, President of Suriname, and Darwin Telemaque, Chairman of PMAC, underscoring the political and operational attention regional governments are placing on adapting ports to global change. Attendance at PMAC enables the BVIPA delegation to exchange best practices, explore technical partnerships and identify funding or capacity-building opportunities that could be applied at home.
Delegates are expected to report their findings to BVIPA leadership and stakeholders to inform local planning and investment priorities. Regional cooperation through forums like PMAC can accelerate adoption of resilient, low-carbon port infrastructure and stronger maritime governance—a priority for the BVI as it seeks to protect its economy, communities and vital linkages to the wider Caribbean.
The PMAC AGM ran July 8–10, 2026, in Paramaribo, Suriname.
Primary source: VINO