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Caribbean National Kurt A.G. Menal tipped for new MD of BVIAA

- Comes to the job with wealth of experience
Word just reaching our news centre is that St Lucian Kurt A. G. Menal will be the new Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA). Photo: tntairports.com
Mr Clive Smith, left, is no longer the acting Managing Director of the BVIAA Clive Smith; however, Mr Keith L. Flax, right, is acting in the position. Photo: GIS/File.
Mr Clive Smith, left, is no longer the acting Managing Director of the BVIAA Clive Smith; however, Mr Keith L. Flax, right, is acting in the position. Photo: GIS/File.
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), whose portfolio includes the airports, has said his Government will expand the runway at Terrance B. Lettsome Airport to help support airlift. Photo: GIS/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), whose portfolio includes the airports, has said his Government will expand the runway at Terrance B. Lettsome Airport to help support airlift. Photo: GIS/File
There continues to be calls for the expansion of the runway at Terrance B. Lettsome Airport to accommodate larger aircrafts. Photo: GIS/File
There continues to be calls for the expansion of the runway at Terrance B. Lettsome Airport to accommodate larger aircrafts. Photo: GIS/File
TRELLIS BAY, Beef Island, VI- Word just reaching our news centre from sources within the UK’s Air Safety Support International (ASSI), the territory’s aviation regulators, is that St Lucian Kurt A. G. Menal will be the new Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA).

ASSI, who was part of the interviewing process, could not say when Mr Menal will commence his job, but noted he has a wealth of aviation management experience.

He is expected to replace former Acting Managing Director of the BVIAA Clive Smith, who is no longer on the job but will be reassigned to the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) to work on the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport runway expansion.

It is our understanding that in the interim, before the arrival of Mr Menal, former Speaker and Legislator of the House of Assembly, Mr Keith L. Flax, a pilot, is the new Acting Managing Director.

Who is Kurt A. G. Menal?

Information obtained shows that Mr Menal’s last assignment was Deputy General Manager – Operations with the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.

According to information obtained from Mr Menal’s ‘Linked In’ page, he is an expert Civil Aviation and Airport Management professional with a demonstrated history of working in the aviation industry. It stated Mr Menal possesses multidimensional Skills in Operations Management, Airports, ICAO, Safety Management Systems, Risk Assessment and Strategic Management.

Additionally, the information noted that Mr Menal is a strong operations professional with a Diploma in Civil Aviation Management from the Singapore Aviation Academy and he is Certified as an International Airport Professional by ACI/ICAO.

Mr Menal also held many senior posts with the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, at the Piarco International Airport including the Manager of Airport Operations, and Health Safety and Environment Manager.

He also held senior posts in his native St Lucia, including Chief Aviation Officer and Air Traffic Control Officer with the St Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority.

Amongst his other qualifications, Mr Menal holds a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Air Transport Management from the City University of London.

Airport Expansion?

Calls continue to be made for the expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport runway. The National Democratic Party (NDP) Government, between 2011 and 2019, spent millions on consultants and other studies on the expansion, but nothing ever materialised.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), whose portfolio includes the airports, said his Government will expand the runway to help support airlift.

It is unclear what will be the next step to achieving this goal.

Meanwhile, both Chairman of the BVI Airports Authority Board, Mr Bevis A. Sylvester and Premier Fahie did not respond to a request for comment.

44 Responses to “Caribbean National Kurt A.G. Menal tipped for new MD of BVIAA”

  • what (13/01/2022, 12:16) Like (40) Dislike (4) Reply
    "Clive Smith, who is no longer on the job but will be reassigned to the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA)."
    Didn't he resign? How now he is reassigned to the RDA? Something not making sense here
  • Wilco (13/01/2022, 12:17) Like (25) Dislike (25) Reply
    Not impressed. Only regional aviation experience, none highlighted at the international major level. Not a pilot, no experience with OTAR regs, no experience in building new outfits. Will not last long.
    • Ok? (13/01/2022, 12:48) Like (17) Dislike (5) Reply
      OTARs are not built into ones DNA. If he can read and rationalize he will be alright.
      • Wilco (13/01/2022, 13:04) Like (53) Dislike (12) Reply
        If my memory serves me Sir- working knowledge of OTARs was a requirement of the post. Av. Regs are not meant to be rationalized, they are meant to be followed and adhered too. As a professional in the industry, nothing on his profile stands out as MD level leadership. Perhaps if he held an A.A.E., then i could say he one up on our people- but even that isnt there. Yet we will put a non Virgin Islander to have a decisive say in an airport expansion that we will be paying for many years after he departs the territory. Go right ahead and let me enjoy the show.
        • ha (13/01/2022, 14:50) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
          But if the OTARs are produced by ASSI who was part of interview process there must have clearly been some sort of confidence that the man. Just a lil common sense...
          • Wrong (13/01/2022, 18:36) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
            there is no such thing as confidence with them. when it comes to this airport it is what we have to settle for because it is all we can get. the aviation sector in the BVI is appalling when it comes to salaries. it is not an attractive venture for most in the aviation profession.
          • @ ha (13/01/2022, 23:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
            Assi was only part via the governor’s office and he had some one from Anguilla representing him

            I was there
        • Clinton (14/01/2022, 14:09) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
          Your insularity is abhorrent! Probably, that’s why the expansion hasn’t taken place in that many years. Additionally, people like you put so much stock in certification and conflate achievements with the most important factor: the ability to get the job done! @Wilco, you impress me as one who knows a lot without having the aptitude to translate knowledge to application. You’ll be well placed sitting back and enjoying the show!
        • ALPHA (14/01/2022, 15:10) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
          Dorinda stop it.
    • Ok? (13/01/2022, 12:49) Like (27) Dislike (8) Reply
      And what other aviation experience those before him had?...Stop it.
    • watching (15/01/2022, 08:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      What’s wrong with only regional experience. So sad. Still that old colonial mentality. It’s better when they come from outside the region.
  • Sky View (13/01/2022, 12:26) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    B.S Strikes Again..
  • door (13/01/2022, 12:32) Like (11) Dislike (6) Reply
    Why hasnt Mr. Keif Flax gotten the position? Are we sure Kief is a pilot still cause the rumor is that he can not fly more than 50 miles at a time. Wa da suppose to be he flying a kite?
  • well meh bwoy (13/01/2022, 13:03) Like (23) Dislike (7) Reply
    I thought the premier said "why should we look for outside help when we could do it ourselves"?
    • @ well meh bwoy (13/01/2022, 16:23) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
      I heard no local applied so go suck and egg
      • nope (14/01/2022, 07:59) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
        Ain’t about no local applied for the position, there is no trained qualified locals that can handle the job.
    • @well meh bwoy (13/01/2022, 17:36) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
      It is quite obvious we could not do it ourselves and ended up eating barbecue crow with honey mustard sauce. However, there was someone local who could have done the job but the BVI IS FAMOUS FOR OVERLOOKING CERTAIN QUALIFIED LOCALS FOR WHATEVER REASON(S). DON’T GET MAD AT THE QUALIFIED LOCALS WHEN THEY LEAVE AND DON’T COME BACK.
    • Can't (13/01/2022, 18:39) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
      The number of Qualified Persons in the BVI can literally be counted on 1 hand. They are either to old, already left, or don't want to inherit a S#it Show
  • smh (13/01/2022, 13:37) Like (51) Dislike (2) Reply
    Is the RDA the new retirement home?
    • @??? (13/01/2022, 17:22) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      Looks that way, that is where they end up when they no longer have anymore use for them, welcome to the new RDA retirement home in the BVI.
    • @??? (13/01/2022, 17:27) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Lol, they don’t want to send them home to get bored so they send them to the retirement home AKA RDA.
  • ta ta (13/01/2022, 13:53) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    Good choice let’s go!
  • rattie (13/01/2022, 14:52) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Heard he does not want to go to Rda any longer thing to talk
  • Hmm (13/01/2022, 15:41) Like (7) Dislike (8) Reply
    Another St. Lucian, seems we’re still paying for the favors given to us years back. Sickening set of people on this place.
  • bat (13/01/2022, 15:53) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    New MD but we cannot get our increment and the pay cut money nhi social security and pension still not up to date
  • @ WILkO (13/01/2022, 16:29) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    HERE COMES GOLDYLOX , THE MOST FAMOUS SPEAK- HER EVER TO GOVERN THE HOA ,AND AS USUAL ALWAYS SPEWING HATE AND EVILNESS ON OTHERS , LIKE IF HE IS AN ANGEL ( WELL HE HIT THE WIG ,SO HE NEEDS A PAIR OF WINGS NOW
  • Andy Ant***** (13/01/2022, 16:41) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    Wow he cute. We for he.
  • dog man (13/01/2022, 17:05) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
    U mean it donot have 1 person n the bvi to do that job really. Sin assi come to play we have been going down hill. Now u going to give out money to outsider again. Come on man this bull $#!+ gave to stop.
    • Can't be helped (13/01/2022, 18:42) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      All 5 or So Qualified ppl in the BVI don't want to inherit a sinking ship. Just saying...
  • musa (13/01/2022, 18:26) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    With his experience I know for sure a lot going home soon
  • Delta Variant (13/01/2022, 20:54) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Delta New Headquarters is in St Lucia need i say more: is there not a connection between the fuel management team; the airport management system
    • @ delta variant (14/01/2022, 09:15) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply

      But it was a interview team including the governor’s office so back of Bevis with your hateful sh** and propaganda

      You all to damm jealous of god’s people

    • boohoo (14/01/2022, 10:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Had nothing to do with nothinh, says the man is currently based trinidadd
  • Highly (13/01/2022, 21:27) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    This guy is highly experienced. The reporter did not read his full LinkedIn profile.
    • y (14/01/2022, 08:28) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      So how come he get this job off here. It look looks like it only people from that country assi or the uk want. ??? Look like puppy on a string.
    • lol (14/01/2022, 09:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Might be willful.. lol views..
  • one thing for sure (14/01/2022, 08:03) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    The BVI does not invest in their own. They are going to always have to depend on outsiders.
    • Gasp (14/01/2022, 08:40) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
      My observation as an expat:Young people within the BVI, BVIanders and Belongers do not want to take on these jobs. I was speaking to a group of BVIslanders by a club and they said why should they stress themselves with studying and jobs when they own the land and apartments. They focus on seating and party while expat rent their apartment or their parents apartments. Look at the top CXC performance. This is a joke in some countries like St Lucia, Trinidad, Dominica, Antigua, Jamaica. Stop crying when an expat get the jobs cause many locals DO NOT care for the jobs or refuse to even apply! Stop acting like this is about getting outsiders the job. We are here because locals do not want the job and the economy of the Caribbean will always allow free movement and job opportunities within. Stop thinking like the BVI is on a planet by itself. The BVI is part of the CARIBBEAN.
  • impact (14/01/2022, 21:31) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Mr. Menal had a significant impact in Trinidad. He was able to positively influence the culture of a large organization. His technical expertise and ability to develop those around him is unmatched.

    This is a multidimensional professional who has a serious grasp on most areas in aviation and the ability and desire to continue growing.

    We are still crying because of his departure and his absence will be felt but his legacy in Trinidad and the other regional countries where he has worked will live on.

    Go with God my brother and consummate gentleman.


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