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BVIPA & BVIAA to be merged; W&SD & VISR to become statutory bodies

- merger will reduce the cost of operations, Premier Fahie said
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has indicated that as part of Government’s 2021 agenda, his administration will be looking to merge the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) and the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) into one entity. Photo: BVIPA/BVIAA/File
Lawmakers in the Virgin Islands will soon be bringing forward legislation for the Water and Sewerage Department (W&SD) and Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR) to become Statutory Bodies. Photo: GIS/File
Lawmakers in the Virgin Islands will soon be bringing forward legislation for the Water and Sewerage Department (W&SD) and Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR) to become Statutory Bodies. Photo: GIS/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR) is on its way to becoming ISO-9001:2015 certified. Photo: VINO
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR) is on its way to becoming ISO-9001:2015 certified. Photo: VINO
CAPPOON'S BAY, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has indicated that as part of Government’s 2021 agenda, his administration will be looking to merge the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) and the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) into one entity.

While giving his Annual First District at Cappoon's Bay Recreation Ground on January 30, 2021, the Premier said the merger will reduce the cost of the operations for these two bodies.

As part of the Gov't legislative agenda, the Premier said VI legislators will also bring forward legislation for the Water and Sewerage Department (W&SD) and Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR) to become Statutory Bodies. This, he said, will help them to become more profitable.

VISR to become ISO-9001:2015 certified

The Premier had also disclosed that VISR is on its way to becoming ISO-9001:2015 certified, which he said will not only improve the Registry’s operational efficiency but will help to meet international obligations.

ISO 9001:2015 is a non-industry specific certification and is intended for any organisation that wants to implement and maintain a quality management system. Certifications are issued by third-party certifying bodies.

For an organization to maintain ISO 9001:2015 certification, they will be subjected to annual or regularly scheduled audits to evaluate the organisation's continued compliance to the standard.

"As we work towards fulfilling these obligations, it is worth mentioning that your Government, before the start of the pandemic, passed the Merchant Shipping Act to further strengthen our maritime laws. This law addresses safety on the water and protecting the environment from pollution, among other provisions," Hon Fahie said.

Additionally, the Leader of Government Business said the e-Government suite of legislation, which is also down to be completed by the House of Assembly, "will make it more convenient for you, from District One through Nine to abroad, to conduct business with the Government Departments.”

9 Responses to “BVIPA & BVIAA to be merged; W&SD & VISR to become statutory bodies”

  • I agree 100% (04/02/2021, 06:43) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is a good move,, This should have been one of the first move the VIP make.... One Marketing voice, one administrative voice, One uniform, better control, more progress, more success.,, The challenge will be the restructuring,, Who will be thereal boss, thats what it needs, as it iz now, they are waay too msny bosses at all locations...Leadership is key.
    • Local (04/02/2021, 21:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is not a good move the airport is going to drain the ports funds Mr Premier think again ,leave the airport body as it is you cannot expect the port to pay for the airport expense find out means for the airport.
    • mildred (06/02/2021, 13:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      put all men up there at w/s the ladies always not available for work
  • All is Port (04/02/2021, 06:54) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Airport, Seaport, All is Port, So this makes sense,,,, The only issue is giving one or two people a lot of power, This success will need good governance We all already know the issue with that,,, , As good as it is and it sounds it can become very victimizing and oppressive,,,,But the Idea is excellent,,,,
  • GG (04/02/2021, 07:49) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    I can't believe people is comfortable being lockdown like sheeps in this day and age, no-sah
  • musa (04/02/2021, 08:12) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good move if you change the management bad news if no changes.
  • Bob (04/02/2021, 08:33) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    What about the Her Majesty Prison and all of the sex scandals that is going on up there
    Vino school children say big story your missing out on.come investigate vino ting to talk.
  • Interested (04/02/2021, 11:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Water and sewerage? Governments most inefficient and unproductive department ? Ok then,go on


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