L-R: Mr. Akeem Pickering, AMPE – Managing Director, BVIPA; Mr. Mervyn Constantine, MPE – Marine Manager, Virgin Islands Port Authority (St. Croix): Ms. Calma Mactavious, MPE-Senior Business Development Officer, BVIPA; Mr. Sean Durrant, AMPE, MTO – Marine Manager, BVIPA; Mrs. Jurine Scatliffe- George, AMPE and Certified Maritime Educator (CME) candidate - Business Development Manager, BVIPA; Capt. Jeffrey Monroe, MM, AMPE, CME, - Director of Education and Standards, IAMPE. Back Row L-R: Mr. Nicholas Bailey, MPE – Acting Chief Financial Officer, BVIPA; Mr. Joseph Cranston Jr., AMPE - Marine Manager STT/STJ, Virgin Islands Port; Mr. Bryan Scatliffe, MPE – Operations Manager, BVIPA; Dr. Robert Morgan Jr, AMPE, EdD (ABD), CLT and Certified Maritime Educator (CME) candidate – Professor, Texas Southern University Transportation Studies; Mr. Junior Albert, MPE - Warehouse Supervisor, BVIPA; Mr. Jerome Stevens, MPE -Warehouse Supervisor (VG), BVIPA; Mr. Wesley Robinson, MPE – Ports Operations Manager, Corporation of Hamilton, Bermuda; and Mr. St. Clair Amory, MPE – Deputy Commissioner of Police – Operations, RVIPF. Photo: Provided

Managing Director, Mr. Durrant was certified as a Marine Terminal Operator (MTO). Photo: Provided

The BVIPA became a Training Partner with the IAMPE in August 2023, with the IAMPE being a non-profit industry association providing professional development for maritime employees. It has over 2,600 alumni worldwide and is recognized as a leading authority offering professional certification in port management globally.

Akeem Pickering, Managing Director of BVIPA, stated, "Hosting and forging a partnership with the IAMPE reflects the BVIPA's commitment to fostering excellence in maritime management, in alignment with our mission to provide superior quality seaport facilities and services.”

He added, “This initiative underscores our dedication to enhancing operational standards and elevating the BVIPA's position in the global maritime industry for the betterment of the BVI.”

Among the graduates was Mr Pickering along with Mr Sean Durrant, Marine Manager who earned the Accredited Maritime Port Executive (AMPE) certification.

Additionally, Mr. Durrant was certified as a Marine Terminal Operator (MTO) and other BVIPA staff members who attained the Maritime Port Executive (MPE) certification, included Bryan Scatliffe, Operations Manager; Nicholas Bailey, Acting Financial Comptroller; Calma Mactavious, Senior Business Development Officer; Junior Albert, Warehouse Supervisor; and Jerome Stevens, Warehouse Supervisor (Virgin Gorda).

Also taking part in the program were participants from Bermuda, USVI, Texas, USA, and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in the Virgin Islands.