The tabletop security exercise hosted by Tortola Pier Park Ltd, (TPPL) brought together representatives from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA), BVIPA Security Division, and TPPL’s internal operations and security team. Photo: TPPL

Tortola Pier Park Ltd has said it is proud to maintain a layered and effective security strategy. Photo: TPPL/Facebook

Acting Chief Executive Officer of Tortola Pier Park Limited (TPPL), Ms Zoe J. Walcott emphasised that the exercise served to strengthen an already tested security framework, which has successfully led to the apprehension of perpetrators in a past incident through joint agency coordination and swift action. Photo: TPPL

A tabletop exercise is an informal, discussion-based session in which a team discusses their roles and responses during an emergency, walking through one or more example scenarios.

Held at TPPL’s Conference Room, the session brought together representatives from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA), BVIPA Security Division, and TPPL’s internal operations and security team.

Enhancing what already works

In her opening remarks, according to a press release from TPPL, Acting Chief Executive Officer Ms Zoe J. Walcott emphasised that the exercise served to strengthen an already tested security framework, which has successfully led to the apprehension of perpetrators in a past incident through joint agency coordination and swift action.

 “Today’s session is about enhancing what already works as our framework is sound, but we are always seeking ways to sharpen our readiness,” she noted.

Participants engaged in robust group simulations and discussions focused on coordinated response strategies, communication protocols, lockdown procedures, marine containment, and public information management. The session highlighted both the strengths and areas for refinement within the multi-agency response approach.

TPPL ‘proud to maintain a layered & effective security strategy’- Zoe J. Walcott

Key outcomes included the validation of existing protocols, identification of opportunities for improved interoperability, and a collective agreement on next steps such as enhanced surveillance integration, emergency drills, and specialised training.

“Tortola Pier Park Limited is proud to maintain a layered and effective security strategy,” said the Acting CEO. “Today’s exercise not only reinforced our preparedness, it reaffirmed the power of collaboration in safeguarding our community and commercial infrastructure.”

The session concluded with a commitment from all parties to continue refining response mechanisms and to schedule follow-up drills to maintain operational vigilance.