Samuel Urges Intentional Marine Industry Growth
Virgin Islands Shipping Registry Director John M. Samuel has called for strategic, intentional expansion within the local marine sector. Addressing a recent industry forum, Samuel emphasized the critical need for hurricane-safe marinas and robust policies to ensure Virgin Islanders can actively participate in the maritime economy.
The Virgin Islands must approach the expansion of its marine sector with clear intention and strategic planning, according to John M. Samuel, Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry. Speaking at a Marine Industry Forum organized by Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, Hon.
Smith, OBE, at The Moorings Yacht Club in Wickhams Cay II, Samuel outlined critical infrastructural and policy priorities needed to safeguard the territory's blue economy. Central to Samuel's presentation was the urgent requirement for additional anchorage destinations, enhanced airlift, more hotel accommodations, and, most critically, expanded marina berths engineered for hurricane safety.
He pointed out that under existing conditions, the territory's commercial recreational space faces severe growth limitations. Each summer, numerous boat owners are forced to relocate their vessels to foreign waters to satisfy strict insurance requirements, effectively shortening the local charter season and driving up overhead costs for maritime businesses.
Samuel argued that investing in safe harbour infrastructure would allow vessels to remain in the territory year-round. This move would lower operating expenses for vessel owners, extend the viable operating season, and stimulate summer demand, creating significant economic spill-over benefits for local technicians, provisioning businesses, and hospitality services.
The ultimate goal, he stressed, is to ensure that local marine operations can remain viable without needing to exit the territory during adverse weather seasons. Beyond physical infrastructure, Samuel emphasized that the long-term sustainability of the sector relies on establishing firm policy frameworks, especially regarding business licensing for day trips and water taxi services.
He noted that policymakers must address whether fleet sizes should be restricted, whether large hotels and charter firms should hold these permits, and whether overall market licenses should be capped. Samuel cautioned that without decisive and transparent rules, entry-level segments of the marine sector could face monopolization, distorted pricing, and unfair exploitation of shared public resources.
Establishing clear standards, he concluded, is essential to protect local business opportunities and ensure Virgin Islanders continue to play a meaningful role in the territory's maritime heritage and future growth.
Primary source: VINO