Maritime Advisory Board Orientation Held
Members of the newly established Maritime Advisory Board attended a comprehensive orientation on 24 June 2026 at the Premier’s Office to strengthen governance, safety oversight and international compliance in the Territory’s maritime sector. The session covered statutory board governance, the Merchant Shipping Act, the Maritime Law Review Project and preparations for an upcoming IMO Instruments Implementation (III) Code Audit.
The Maritime Advisory Board received a full-day orientation on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, as Government moves to bolster oversight and strategic direction for one of the Virgin Islands’ most important industries. The session, held in the Premier’s Office Conference Room, was chaired by Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Mrs.
Carolyn Stoutt Igwe, who underlined the sector’s economic and regulatory significance for residents and businesses. "Government is committed to strengthening oversight and strategic direction in one of the Virgin Islands’ most vital industries by providing Board members with an in-depth overview of their roles and responsibilities, as well as the legislative and policy frameworks that govern the maritime sector," Mrs.
Board members were formally introduced, took an Oath of Confidentiality and received briefings aimed at ensuring good governance and accountability. Presentations during the orientation reviewed the Government’s Statutory Boards Policy, including appointment and removal procedures, the Board’s Terms of Reference, and key provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act.
Officials also briefed members on the ongoing Maritime Law Review Project and on sector developments as the Territory prepares for an International Maritime Organization (IMO) Instruments Implementation (III) Code Audit — an assessment with implications for the Territory’s international standing and commercial registry business.
Jerome Padmore, Chief Accident Investigator at the Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA), explained the Authority’s independent mandate and investigation procedures. He highlighted MSIRA’s role in strengthening maritime safety and helping the Virgin Islands meet its international obligations under IMO standards — a matter that affects safety for residents, crew and visitors and helps protect the Territory’s reputation in global shipping and yachting markets.
Chairman of the Maritime Advisory Board, Mr. Robert Hirst, thanked Government for the orientation and pledged to work collaboratively with fellow members to advance the Territory’s maritime interests and ensure effective oversight. The Maritime Advisory Board comprises: John Samuel (VISMA) Lecia Christopher-Thomas (VISMA) John Greenwood (BVI Bar Association) Marjorie Smith (BVI Chamber of Commerce) Michele Hibbert (Association of Registered Agents) Sean Durant (Designate, BVI Ports Authority) Theodore James (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) Kadia Turnbull (Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works) Greg Romney (HM Customs) Anthony George Kevin Richards For BVI residents, stronger board governance and compliance efforts aim to protect jobs, preserve the Territory’s maritime reputation and ensure safe, efficient movement of goods, cruise visitors and private yachts.
The orientation is part of the Government’s broader initiative to equip statutory board members with the knowledge and tools needed to support sustainable growth and international compliance in the maritime sector.
Primary source: Guavaberry