From left: Assistant Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Malvern Brathwaite, Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Dean of Workforce Training at HLSCC, Ms Bernadine Louis at the launch of the ‘Back to the Sea’ Maritime Industry Training Programme at Village Cay Conference Room on August 14, 2019. Photo: VINO

According to Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) the launch of the “Back to the Sea” Maritime Industry Training Programme is a milestone in the journey to transform the Virgin Islands and a another step towards taking command of the territory’s destiny through the empowerment of its people. Photo: VINO/File

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, is greeted by an attendee of the launch of the 'Back to the Sea' Maritime Industry Training Programme on August 14, 2019. At centre is Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9). Photo: GIS

The first cohort of trainees in the programme will begin training in September 2019 at the Centre for Applied Marine Studies at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Paraquita Bay, Tortola.

Courses will be availabe from certificates to associate degrees' qualifications after which persons can seek to further their studies at recognised institutions through MOU's with HLSCC.

Registration commences August 21, 2019 and prospective trainees will be required to complete a registration of interest form online, indicating the programme they wish to pursue, the institution and the level of assistance needed.

Applicants would also need to apply directly to the institution of their choice and meet the institution’s entry requirements.

According to Premier Fahie, at the programme launch at Village Cay Conference Room, in order to assist persons who may have difficulty in reaching the HLSCC to register and who may have problems accessing the online register of interest portal, a face-to-face registration exercise will be conducted in each district.

He said a schedule of the days and venues for this exercise will be published soon and prospective trainees should be vigilant in looking out for this information.

Gov't assistance

“Government’s assistance to persons would be extended once the applicant has been accepted into an acceptable accredited Maritime training programme. All successful applicants will be exposed to a one-week orientation boot camp to equip them for the working environment.”

Assistance will, however, be rendered in a two-phase approach, according to the Premier.

The first phase, which commences immediately with the first cohort of trainees beginning training in September 2019, involves re-engaging with the HLSCC and other training providers to support programmes in Maritime education.

"The government will be assisting the HLSCC with the necessary resources it needs to fulfil its mandate as the regional Centre for Excellence for Marine Studies. Additionally, the government will be partnering with the stakeholders of the industry who will provide the opportunities for additional training, employment and business networking environments."

In the second phase, Premier Fahie said government will provide additional resources come January 2020 to support trainees in the maritime industry who are accepted to go further afield to study.

VI’s marine sector potential untapped & under-exploited

Hon Fahie said the VI is already the sailing capital of the world, and “together, we will claim our rightful place” as the Mecca of the global marine industry. “And in this process, all Virgin Islanders who want to have careers in the marine industry will be given the opportunity, support and encouragement to do so.”

The Premier added that the marine sector is one of the VI’s most valuable assets, but its potential is untapped and under-exploited.

“Commercial maritime activity is already huge in the BVI. It spans small tourist crafts to large shipping vessels, as well as the marinas, docks, ports and infrastructure, and the services such as hospitality and technical services, that support them. It is an area that has a very wide scope – much wider than many people realise.”

According to the Leader of Government Business, while we talk about tourism and financial services as economic pillars, we overlook the fact that the VI’s marine sector is an economic powerhouse, driving sailing tourism and supporting our other goods and services sectors.

“And while our marine industry is big business, it has the potential to grow even bigger.”