VI's marine safety discussed @ stakeholder meeting
The meeting, according to a May 22, 2025, press release, addressed pressing marine safety concerns, enhanced preventative measures, and fostered collaboration among agencies and organisations committed to safeguarding the Virgin Islands' (VI) waters and marine environment.
Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Carolyn E. Stoutt Igwe, said, “Maritime safety remains a top priority for the Virgin Islands. [The] meeting demonstrates our commitment to fostering collaboration and ensuring that our waters are safe for residents, visitors, and future generations.”
Expressing satisfaction with the high level of participation, Chief Marine Accident Investigation Officer, Mr. Jerome Padmore, reiterated his steadfast commitment to promoting safety and accountability throughout the maritime industry.
He also provided insights into the role and process of Marine Safety Accident Investigations, with his presentation highlighting the importance of thorough investigations in identifying root causes and preventing future incidents.
Stakeholder presentations
Select stakeholders present were also allowed to make presentations on their respective roles in promoting marine safety, preventing marine accidents and responding to marine incidents.
The Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority (VISMA) presented safety strategies to enhance maritime operations, emphasising strict protocols for water users.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) reported on incidents and measures to boost safety. Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue discussed lifeguard operations, the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue focused on community outreach for safety awareness at sea, the Ministry of Environment raised awareness about marine pollution, urging collaboration for resource protection, and the Marine Association reaffirmed its commitment to safety in the charter industry.
Meanwhile, the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) shared educational initiatives for marine professionals, and Kids and the Sea (KATS) highlighted their programme, which teaches boating safety to children through engaging camps.
The Governor’s office, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, BVI Ports Authority, National Parks Trust, 911 Call Handling Centre, Fishermen’s Association, the BVI Charter Yacht Society, Nanny Cay, and The Moorings were the other organisations present at the meeting.
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3 Responses to “VI's marine safety discussed @ stakeholder meeting ”
In reference to considerations of Prospect Reef restorations, and or probably further developments, Maritime Safety must not be overlooked by the current local government in power. Any major development of Prospect Reef as a Mega hotel, and marina business will cause regular traffic road connection, and also highten the probability of accident on land, and sea. The large number of ferry boats, speed boats, and yatchs daily, and regularly passing back and forth just a short distance from Prospect Reef be carefully considered before fooling permission be given. The same high level of precautions is needs for every Maritime trafficking area in the B.V.I
Thank for the Maritime Safety meeting held. I do hope the common sense has prevailed over which full political dreams.