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Roxane Ritter-Herbert Out! Dion A. Stoutt In! as BVIPA Chairman

Businessman Dion A. Stoutt (right) is expected to replace outgoing Chairwoman Mrs Roxane Ritter-Herbert (left) as Chairman of the BVI Ports Authority’s (BVIPA) Board of Directors. Photo: Internet Source
The BVI Ports Authority oversees all ports and harbours in the Virgin Islands, managing sea trade and tourism-related maritime services. Photo: BVIPA
The BVI Ports Authority oversees all ports and harbours in the Virgin Islands, managing sea trade and tourism-related maritime services. Photo: BVIPA
Mr Akeem R. Pickering will be reappointed Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority. Photo: Internet Source
Mr Akeem R. Pickering will be reappointed Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI: Word reaching our news centre is that Businessman Dion A. Stoutt is tipped to be the new Chairman of the BVI Ports Authority’s (BVIPA) Board of Directors.

Mr Stoutt is expected to replace outgoing Chairwoman Mrs Roxane Ritter-Herbert, who was appointed in August 2022 for a three-year term which ended in August 2025. It is unclear if she sought another term; however, it is believed she was highly respected at the Ports Board for her leadership role. Mrs Ritter-Herbert is the daughter of business tycoon M. Ashely Ritter.

Mr Stoutt is the Managing Director of STO Enterprise Ltd., a full-service architecture and design firm he founded. The local progressive businessman is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Master’s Degree in Architecture and Business.

A great replacement

Additionally, Mr Stoutt, who hails from the western end of Tortola and is a Rotarian, may help to push the urgent need for a new Port Terminal in West End, Tortola, which is long overdue. The current facility is not fit for purpose and has remained an eyesore for 8 years after the Hurricanes of 2017, which destroyed the West End Ferry Terminal.

The BVIPA oversees all ports and harbours in the Virgin Islands, managing sea trade and tourism-related maritime services. The other members of the BVIPA were not immediately known up to publication time.

We need Akeem!

Meanwhile, it is also expected that the Managing Director of the BVIPA, Mr Akeem R. Pickering, whose contract expired late last year, will be re-appointed to the post.

He has gained widespread support from both the Government and the Opposition, residents and staff for his effective, transparent and successful management of the BVI Ports Authority. It remains unclear when he will return to the post.

29 Responses to “Roxane Ritter-Herbert Out! Dion A. Stoutt In! as BVIPA Chairman”

  • Heritage FM (04/01/2026, 10:47) Like (28) Dislike (8) Reply
    These doggone club members run things.
  • jack (04/01/2026, 10:51) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
    Great choice
    • Great News. (05/01/2026, 06:41) Like (14) Dislike (30) Reply
      Stoutt Congrats...Akeem welcome back...Some of these people wants to be on every board...Men run things better, more calculated and calm, women aggressive and emotional...You two men now go and make a positive difference. Make men proud.. Thk you.
  • Every NDP is eating big (04/01/2026, 10:53) Like (7) Dislike (9) Reply
    The NDP is slowly taking over
  • WOW (04/01/2026, 10:55) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    They are looking like sister and brother
  • Independent Woman (04/01/2026, 11:36) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    A little change day by day. Everyone deserves a chance at something new! Embracing progress in a positive way!
  • @Every NDP is slowly taking over (04/01/2026, 12:06) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    You must have magical senses for I have no idea how you are aware of who is NDP and who is any other P. But I will say this, all BVIslanders deserve a chance to thrive and eat and this 'Should Not' have anything to do with your political affiliations. I say this but feel compelled to still say when the fishers and farmers grants and the kickbacks go to other affiliations nothing is said by you I'm sure.
  • Very good move Roxane (04/01/2026, 13:28) Like (13) Dislike (19) Reply
    Roxane you right to opt not to be around these snakes in the grass. Everyone know thats Kye boy, remember it was the same Dion managing the Government Asphalt Plant, he was the same one that was the Project Manager for the Pier Park. The Plant been down and they can't get it up, so he need a eat, thats all he good for. Eating out of everybody plate.
    • @ Very good move Roxane (04/01/2026, 15:19) Like (21) Dislike (5) Reply
      We will ignore this jealous hater as Dion is a good youth with integrity and helps others
    • And so what? (04/01/2026, 21:57) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      Her padre got several million dollar contracts so who gives a hoot?
  • The watchdog (04/01/2026, 14:11) Like (6) Dislike (31) Reply
    Free Maynard
  • smh (04/01/2026, 15:20) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    she was highly respected at the Ports Board for her leadership role. Mrs Ritter-Herbert is the daughter of business tycoon M. Ashely Ritter.

    Yet, they chose not to renew her appointment. Whomever wrote this piece is looking for brownie points. Pure rhetoric
    • @SMH (05/01/2026, 13:59) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
      They looking for brownie points because you said so? Stupes! At the end of the day Ms. Ritter is a Virgin Islander who owns and manages thriving businesses in the community. She does not need a Statutory Board appointment for her daily bread. She holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees and gave her service to the territory by serving on the Board and also having previously served in senior positions at the same Authority and then another statutory body prior to entering the private sector. She was the Chairman of the Board for three years and earned a stipend for all the time and effort which goes into the role and did so in the aftermath of a very public scandal involving the same said Authority. From all accounts, she had a successful tenure whether you agreed with all her decisions or not. From the article it is not known whether she even wanted to renew her appointment. However, even if she did and was not renewed, why cast her departure in a negative light when there could be a myriad of reasons which led to this? She was not owned a renewal and she certainly does not need to seek one. She was there and had a successful tenure and is now gone. End of story! The incoming Chairman is also an educated and successful Virgin Islander who owns and manages successful businesses. May he also have a successful tenure.
      • smh (05/01/2026, 16:45) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
        My comment went right over your head. That is okay, you needed to vent about something.
  • drain the swamp (04/01/2026, 16:14) Like (20) Dislike (21) Reply
    Akeem Pickering for the sixth. It is high time we get rid of Myron Walwyn.
  • The Watcher (04/01/2026, 17:52) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    A next scandal coming out just now. The Premier should just keep him out because this will be bigger than the Drew.
  • stick to the topic (04/01/2026, 19:38) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
    @ drain the swamp. There is a time and place for everything and Myron is certainly not any of the subjects in this article. So why include him in this discussion? I can only conclude that maybe Myron had robbed you of your birthright like Esau & his brother Jacob in the Bible and now you are extremely bitter towards him. But regardless of; this too shall pass and whatever is to be WILL BE.
  • Hmmmm (04/01/2026, 23:29) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why is this news?
  • pat (05/01/2026, 01:16) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    God bless you Dion
  • Pickering & Stoutt. Deliver. (05/01/2026, 06:36) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    Rita out.. No one person should be serving on no more than two boards...The BVI has too much brain and good people for one peeson to be on 3-4-5 board. Time to stop this its BS. Pickering and Stout, the newly appointed time for you all to deliver on behalf of the people. Pickering, you are the boss act like boss, make changes, deligate responsibilities to serious people, not who is going to undermined you...I likd you. You are very qualified a good and decent guy. Stop playing with Taxi drivers who only care about themselve and their money, they don't care about you or the tourist. They must follow protocol and policies..No compromised, no favours....Rules are rules, for one and for all..
  • The Scoop.... West end dock is a real place (07/01/2026, 07:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Simply this. Ritter had a few issues with the West End port rebuild and questioned the dictator minister KR. We all know he or his cronies does not like that. This is the VIP home stretch and the minister of communication came pit his finger on one significant change or project that made a difference. He fudged up the traffic, roads and everything he touched so far. So he needs a win. When it comes to movement on construction DS can do that once he is getting his share which I can't disagree with. So they out RR and put DS in. This is straight from the wanna be D3 rep VIP style. FACTS..WK..K.


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