Was Kurt A.G. Menal forced out? Resigned abruptly as MD of BVIAA
There is mixed information as to what led to his resignation, as some Board Members claimed that he wanted to give a three-month notice, but was told, as is the practice, he needed to go effective immediately. He is expected to be paid out accordingly.
Our newsroom reached out to Mr Menal, who confirmed his resignation and said he enjoyed a “good working relationship with all staff at the BVIAA”. He, however, declined to comment further.
Mr Menal, a Saint Lucian national, has been at the helm of the BVIAA for four years and recently got another four-year renewal of his contract in January 2026, making his resignation a surprise to many.
Poor relationship with the PS?
One Board Member alleged that Mr Menal had a poor working relationship with his Permanent Secretary, Mrs Elvia Smith-Maduro, but did not elaborate further, and said the Board did its job in the oversight of Mr Menal.
Under Mr Menal’s tenure, three new airlines have commenced flights in and out of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, including American Airlines with direct flights to Miami, Florida, from June 1, 2023. This has been a positive game-changer for air access for the Virgin Islands (VI).
Mr Menal was believed to be very instrumental in the ongoing efforts to extend the airport runway, to facilitate more direct flights to and from Tortola.
ASSI a bad decision?
He also oversaw the controversy when the Air Safety Support International (ASSI) imposed its will on the VI and stopped the drop off of passengers next to the terminal building, claiming security concerns. The practice of dropping off passengers next to the airport terminals is an international best practice that happens at every major airport throughout the world. Many residents and aviation experts scoff at the ASSI-imposed decision as “ridiculous and unnecessary”.
BVIAA Director of Special Projects, Mr Clive A. Smith, is expected to act in the post until a new Managing Director is recruited, according to a Board Member.
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65 Responses to “Was Kurt A.G. Menal forced out? Resigned abruptly as MD of BVIAA”
This P**** is one nasty Mf
The PS for BVIAA, is not a threat to anyone, she doesn't even think for herself. Its the Minister who tells her what to do instead of she guiding the Minister.
The snake at BVIAA is *******, he aint no different to his brother at ********. He is very underhanded, deceitful, vindictive and always wants to be in control. Ting to talk. It will all come out soon.
The corruption that is going on at BVIAA is about to be exposed. Equipment being stolen through the gates, illegal operations on the tarmac just to name a few. Reports have been filed and BVAA sits on their arses and do nothing and make excuses. Well the shit is about the SH*T the FAN!!!
Well this surely is ***** special friend from Trinidad. But we know he not capable of writing all those big words. So is either ***** write it and give him to post or they hire a PR firm to do damage control.
Anyhow we know all that is a bunch of b-s because was BVI people responsible for American Airlines. ****** was just flying all over on bviaa money promoting himself.
Expensive Cape Air soon have a monopoly.
What he did very well was ensure lots of his friends and acquaintances were placed in jobs.
All his other cronies need to go because it is a full corrupt team up there that needs firing ???? also
We welcome Clive Smith a change from what we had.
Reason why he had many positions within the airport
And couldn’t handle it
We need to find a better MD that can run the airport and make it better
Nattalio "Cruikshank" Wheatley not going to let his no minimum wage workers see it.
How did we ever function before him?
We didn’t. Obviously. We were just out here guessing what airplanes were and hoping for the best.
Low grass and a sense of order.
But the way it was achieved matters just as much.
When someone leads through fear, division, and intimidation, the environment might look neat, but to the people inside it feel anything but. Do judge by appearance alone.
Another expat being pushed out so the great minds of this beautiful country can carry on and collaborate as one…. My my