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Baboucar Sallah going out, John Samuel coming in

- Captain Sallah is to retire & Samuel to come out of retirement
Captain Sallah (left) and Samuel.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Captain Baboucar Sallah, the Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry is expected to retire from the public service, sources have told Virgin Islands News Online.

It is unclear, whether the very experienced and seasoned Capt. Sallah who has guided the Shipping Registry in its development days was ready to retire or was asked to, following the change of government.

Mr. Sallah, the husband of former Deputy Premier and 8th district Representative Dancia Penn-Sallah QC, has been the Director of the VI Shipping Registry for a number of years.

Former acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works John Samuel, who retired from the civil service some two years ago, is expected to be back to take up the post of Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, according to this news site’s sources close to the situation.

Mr. Samuel was expected to go before the Public Service Commission last week about the post but it’s this news site’s understanding that he reportedly has the blessings of Premier D. Orlando Smith, under whose portfolio the subject falls.

Mr. Samuel, a Virgin Islander is expected to take up the post in the coming weeks.

Purpose of Shipping Registry

The Virgin Islands is renowned as the yachting capital of the world and most islands are equipped with modern state-of-the-art facilities, accommodations, berths, supplies and services.

The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry facilitates the simple, yet secure registration of mega yachts and general cargo ships, marine mortgages and other proprietary interests and services to merchant shipping and yachts.

The main reason for registering a ship is to prove its nationality, and that is done via the Shipping Registry. Persons also in the sector use the registration of their ships as security to obtain a marine mortgage which in turn is registered.

This department is expected to be a big revenue earner for the VI.

After his retirement from the civil service, Mr. Samuel’s name emerged and was associated with the early formation of a new political party called the People’s Patriotic Alliance (PPA). However, Mr. Samuel’s position in the group was unclear, but it was said he was elected the leader of the group but in the end he never contested the 2011 VI general elections.

In the early days of the PPA, all questions about the group were to be referred to him. The PPA contested the general elections with four candidates and it’s unclear if Samuel is still an active member.

Mr. Samuel will come to the job with years of experience in the marine industry and holds a Captain license.

The Director of Shipping Registry’s post is a government job that attracts a salary between $62,900 and $92,150 per year.

23 Responses to “Baboucar Sallah going out, John Samuel coming in”

  • mother end (06/03/2012, 07:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Another reward for being against the vip that's all!
    • job market (06/03/2012, 08:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree 'mother end'. The NDP trying to keep the PPA members close and give them work. First Sharna, now John I guess Khoy will be next!
  • I wonder (06/03/2012, 09:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please give me a break. He is 60 plus, retirement age. BVIslanders are asked to leave at 60. What is the issue? Everything is political for you folks. Go have some capuccino or something. Silly!!!!
    • so tell she (06/03/2012, 11:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      ok if that is the standard then why the hick you all aint sending home old Inez who pass 60? double standards again with you NDP paid bloggers and cow birds.
      • tv show (07/03/2012, 04:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        She is an NDP so she aint going no way fast maybe after four years.
  • Jack johnson (06/03/2012, 09:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I support this move. Mr. Samuel worked with this Department before and is very capable of handling its affairs. Good luck to the outgoing Director who did a fine job while he was aat the helm.
  • critic (06/03/2012, 09:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    dave smith is the best guy for this job but i know ndp rather give it to one of their cronies....just because sallah is dancia's husband they forced him to retire...same stunt they pulling all the time
    • hi (06/03/2012, 18:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      it is the same thing i am saying VIP all the way
    • HELLO!!! (06/03/2012, 22:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You had to go Blah Blah Blah...as usual..Time for Capt. Sala to go. He has done nothing for the shipping registry. That industry can make so much money and he just st on it blming everyone else but himself. Time to put one of our local in the place and I think John is the best person
  • Crank Shaft (06/03/2012, 10:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The VIP lemmings does really make me laugh. THey were just on here balling how NDP victimizing indigenous BVIslanders. Now, we have an aged expat leaving a job and a young qualified BVIslander being considered and these people can still find a way to put a political twist on it? WOW! You all are totally unbelievable. So, you're only qualified as a BVIslander when you're leaving or being removed? BVIslanders that are being appointed every week are not real BVIslanders because they don't support VIP? Ok, now i get it.
  • What happened? (06/03/2012, 11:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What happened to D. Smith?! Is he not capable? They need to move the Sri-Lankan that is making a mess in here at VISR!
    • badcompany (06/03/2012, 15:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      they need to get rid of capt. pat and give dave smith his position
      • mad man (06/03/2012, 21:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I agree with u 110% Dave is the man and he could run that department, Capt Pat is who needs to go home them man aint have nothing good for the local capt all them doing is making up the rules as they go along.
    • badcompany (06/03/2012, 15:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      they need to get rid of capt. pat and give dave smith his position he is more than qualify
  • bvi (06/03/2012, 12:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Two words: "Great Move".
  • Far Away.......... (06/03/2012, 13:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great move.........Congrats John boy......... and thanks again for the advice of years ago. I have had no regrets!
  • VI to The Bone (06/03/2012, 13:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Only Move I agree With so Far
  • release (06/03/2012, 17:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I just hope the VIP tekin notes as everyone and their mother who wanted the VIP gone getting a big fat reward with a job. Well mey boy look and learn VIP. Tek care of your people
    • neva (07/03/2012, 04:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      "release" suckteeth...VIP aint learn ah ting so stop chatting nonsence VIP snoozing
  • youch (06/03/2012, 20:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    John is a good man. Good luck.
  • Crank Shaft (06/03/2012, 22:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    When Fraser kick john to the curb and put Willock as PS, nobody said a word. Now the man getting a job that he is qualified for people balling? You think is fair to have a young local qualified man home talking bout he retired, while an expat of retirement age is sitting in that high chair? No sah! Good luck john boy.
    • Fools (07/03/2012, 15:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You just looking to find something to say about Fraser. He had nothing to do with John's decision to leave. HR refused to confirm the man, and Fraser litterally pleaded with him to stick it out.


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