VI Maritime & Shipping Authority Act, 2023 passed in HoA
The bills were passed in the House of Assembly (HoA) on September 12, 2023, and will allow the authority to respond strategically to market trends through intensifying focus towards revenue-generating activities.
The new bills is forecasted to aid in the expansion of the Territory’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), resulting in real income increases for residents.
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley said, “Today we propose an additional improvement to our Register and Maritime Administration by establishing the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry as the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority.”
He added, “The Virgin Islands continues to grow and advance; and as markets and commercial environments change, we too must change in order to remain compliant, to remain conversant, to remain relevant; and at times to remain competitive.”
The Premier said the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR) is the authorized agency under the Merchant Shipping Act and this amendment act will authorize the Authority in place of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry.
Authority with further Gov't of VI - Premier
“Ultimately, the establishment of the Authority will further the Government of the Virgin Islands’ objectives of economic diversification and expanding the revenue-generating capacities of the Territory,” Premier Wheatley stated.
He added that it also gives the Authority powers to appoint the Director, Surveyors, and the Registrar of Ships.
The Bill indicates that the transition will promote the self-generating revenue levels that will enhance the Territory’s company registration for the ownership and operation of shipping companies, and will increase the overall marketability of the Virgin Islands as a maritime tourism destination.
According to the Director of the VI Shipping Registry Mr. John Samuel, there will the establishment of an autonomous Board is that will be in alignment with global flags international standards and in accordance with the Red Ensign Group of flags, in which Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Isle of Mann operate as statutory boards.
This weekend, government officials are expected to attend the Monaco Yacht Show, which is a prestigious broker event that features superyachts providing the VI Shipping and Maritime Authority with an opportunity to reposition itself as an effective and modern service provider.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
12 Responses to “VI Maritime & Shipping Authority Act, 2023 passed in HoA”
1) Building a new major revenue generator with shipping registry
2)Built a sound Financial Service Industty
3) Save the economy & many lives during the worse pandemic in the last 100yrs
4) Continue to rebound from the worse category 5 hurricane in 2017 (Irma then Maria)
5) Build a strong economy that was a blessing to many locals and Caribbean people to build themselves and their family and their homes where they were from in the Caribbean and locally.
6) Built a modern hospital
7)Health care system is fully accredited and the only one in the Caribbean to achieve such.
8) Built a college that has benefited thousands
9) College was accredited
10) Give status to 1000s of Caribbean people who helped to build the BVI
11) Build homes for many needy people
12) Educated 1000s of people with free education from primary to secondary to local college - HLSCC.
13) Build their people with 1000s of scholarships to study abroad who now have all kinds of qualification like Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorates & other certifications.
14) Build public schools on all islands and roads(these need fixing now)
15) Free Shuttle bus service throughout the town
16) Traffic turn around to help improve traffic in the town of Tortola
17) Put an extension of the local college in Tortola on Virgin Gorda
18) Built a four lane highway in the town of Tortola
19) Achieved direct flights from USA
20) Always pass budgets on time and balanced
21) Build the public service which was neglected by the Governor for years although it was his sole responsibility
22)Build airports and seaports on all main islands
23) Built and developed the tourism industry for which most people are employed
24) Tax break for 1st time land and home owners
25) Built & develop sporting facilities and sport persons
26) Support with annual subvertions to NGOs and churches & other community minded social organizations.
I will stop there for now but there is plenty more this young, up & coming strong BVI country has done on its own through its people and our leaders and we need to celebrate the many good and not just be programmed by the few high powered evil ones as of late to name the few bad areas which all countries have. For me the next step is independence but the UK is trying to play with our minds to not trust ourselves and leaders so we would not be bold enough to take that step but it is the step to take. Long Live BVI & ITS PEOPLE & OUR LEADERS!!! BVI - HOLD YOUR HEAD UP!!! OUR GOOD FAR OUTWEIGH OUR BAD!!!