Business Enquirer Issue 126 | BVI Ports Authority | June 2024

PHOENIX RISING:

A STORY OF RESILIENCE FROM THE HEART OF THE

CARIBBEAN

PHOENIX RISING: A STORY OF RESILIENCE FROM THE HEART OF THE CARIBBEAN

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are considered an idyllic archipelago, made up of around 60 tropical Caribbean islands, including four main islandsTortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke.

Popular amongst tourists, the islands, the collective population of which totals just over 31,000, welcomed nearly one million vacationers in 2023.

And whilst it’s clear why the tropical weather and Caribbean fervour is popular amongst tourists, responsibility remains with the locals when the fun stops.

OnesuchexampleisHurricaneIrma, whichmadelandfallwithBVIin September2017.

Declaredastateofemergencyby theCaribbeanDisasterEmergency ManagementAgency,theCategory5 hurricanecreatedextensivedamage acrossBVI,particularlyontheislandof Tortola.

Forcontext, thefinancialdamageto theIslandswasstaggering-amounting to$3.6billion(thefourthmostfinancially affected),withrestorationofelectricity takingfivemonths.Mosttragically however,wasthedeathoffourpeople.

CrucialtotherecoveryoftheIslandswas therecoveryoftheBVIPortsAuthority (BVIPA)-withmuchofthewelfareand materialsrequiredfortherecoveryofthe Islandsneedingtobeimportedviasea. Ofcoursetoo,wastheneedtogetthe

Akeem Pickering, Managing Director

VI Customs Brokers & Logistics is a distinguished family-owned business, proudly celebrating a decade of unparalleled service and excellence in the logistics industry. Founded with a profound commitment to integrity, accountability, and innovation, we have consistently delivered exceptional results, solidifying our reputation as a leader in the field.

We offer a comprehensive suite of services including Customs Brokerage, shipping, courier services, trucking, and customs clearance. As dedicated shipping agents for vessels navigating the vibrant Caribbean region, our expertise enables us to provide seamless and efficient solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients, ensuring that we can transport anything to any location with utmost reliability and care.

Our slogan, “Logistics is our business!” reflects our unwavering dedication to the logistics sector. We are not just a company; we are a

company with heart. Our passion for excellence drives us to invest every ounce of effort into the services we provide, treating each client's needs with the highest level of attention.

Community involvement is deeply embedded in our values. Actively supporting the success of our islands we serve, we contribute to local youth, family, and educational programs, enhancing community strength and cultivating future leaders. This commitment is a testament to our gratitude and responsibility to the community that has supported our growth and success.

As we celebrate this significant milestone, VI Customs Brokers & Logistics remains dedicated to advancing our services, embracing innovation, and continuing to be a key player in the logistics landscape in the British Virgin Islands.

www.vicustombrokers.com

tourism sector up and running again as soon as possible, with many visiting BVI via cruise ships.

“Thanks to the resilience and determination of our people, as well as the support of the government, we were able to recover quickly, to be able to serve the people of the territory” shared recently appointed BVIPA Managing Director, Akeem Pickering. “Whilst it was obviously the most devastating state in the history of the BVI, it enabled the Territory to learn a lot, develop new protocols, and implement better building codes/regulations, which means we are now in a stronger and better position to face similar scenarios, which we pray we would never have to again”.

Since the tragedy of Hurricane Irma, not long followed by the Covid-19 pandemic, BVIPA is on a stratospheric trajectory to

BVI PORTS AUTHORITY

becomeoneofthetopportsauthoritiesin theregion.

Clear Commitment to Excellence

Establishedin1990throughtheBVIPorts AuthorityActasaseparateentity,solely ownedbytheGovernmentoftheVirgin Islands,theAuthoritynowmanagesatotal ofsevenseaportsthroughouttheTerritory whichincludecargo,ferry,andcruise facilities.

Withsomeyearsofrelativestabilityunder itsbelt, BVIPAnowhasavisioninplace forstrategicgrowth,bothphysically, economically,andinperception.

“Byprovidingaclientcentric,personalised serviceandbycreatingtrust, wewantto growandstrengthenrelationshipswith ourclients,”explainedAkeem,“inpart, thiswillbeachievedbysupportingskills enhancementinourteam,providinga

About Bitter End Yacht Club

The Bitter End Yacht Club is a family-owned island retreat celebrated for its heritage charm and adventurous spirit. For over 50 years, it has attracted travelers and yachting enthusiasts from around the world. Nestled in the protected waters of North Sound on Virgin Gorda, this quintessential destination is a sailing and watersports mecca, thanks to its near-perfect year-round sailing conditions, top notch facilities, and stunning locale. Renowned for its hospitality, casual, communal atmosphere and diverse activity programs, Bitter End is a beloved destination for couples, families, and groups, many of whom return year after year.

After being devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2017, the iconic resort triumphantly reopened in December 2021.

About The Bitter End Foundation

The Bitter End Foundation was established as the Bitter End Irma Relief Fund in response to the catastrophic impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Thanks to the generosity of the Bitter End community, the foundation has raised over $1 million to support the unique needs and wellbeing of seaside communities. Powered by the Provisions for Good Program, $1 from every purchase at Bitter End Provisions is donated to the foundation. Committed to being stewards of our planet’s oceans, the foundation supports the wellbeing of seaside communities through financial, in-kind, and educational assistance. It also focuses on protecting marine life and promoting conservation efforts. The Bitter End Foundation aims to be a lasting force for positive change in communities that are deeply connected to the sea.

CARIBBEAN

BVI PORTS AUTHORITY

premium, dynamic, and industry lead service”

On the subject of its people, notably 40% of the port's employees are women, something which will be celebrated on the 18th May 2024 as part of the International Maritime Organization’s International Day for Women in Maritime.

In addition, continued capital investments will help to strengthen BVIPA’s capabilities.

This includes the continued renovation of the Authority's main administration complex, as well as retrofitting its warehouses with the newest technologies.

Recently, the Authority acquired an additional acre of land at Port Purcell, which will eventually facilitate a longer, wider, and deeper berth, to accommodate large vessels.

“This expansion will support us in expanding our services into transit cargo vessels,” added Akeem.

Additionally, BVIPA is in the process of redeveloping it West End Ferry Terminal, as part of a two year project, as well as the reclamation of six acres of land at the Road Town Jetty.

“These projects will allow BVIPA to expand its capacity for container handling and passenger throughput utilizing state

of the art ferry terminals but it will also provide more opportunity for the local workforce,” shared Akeem.

Recently, BVIPA has agreed additional commitments with Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean, which will see a further 170,000 passengers dock within BVI, having great impact on not only BVIPA, but the territory’s wider economy.

Steering the Port to New Heights

First joining BVIPA in 2007 as an IT Specialist, Akeem gained experience across the business, allowing him to acquire a full understanding of the Port Authority.

On his appointment as BVIPA’s Managing Director in November 2023,

For decades, the New Horizon Ferry Service has been sailing the seas of the BVI, offering trips from West End, Tortola, to the enchanting Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, and now Virgin Gorda, and with convenient barge service every Tuesday and Thursday, your island adventure awaits.

The New Horizon Ferry Service is your gateway to the hidden gems on Jost Van Dyke in the BVI. Jost Van Dyke has some of the best beach bars, and restaurants in the Caribbean. Our economical and convenient ferry service will get you there and back quickly and comfortably.

New Horizon Ferry Service Ltd. is committed to providing a superior, on-time service to the people of the Virgin Islands. Our Team makes the safety of all passengers a priority while ensuring that their trip is comfortable and enjoyable. We have been safely and professionally serving the BVI since 2000. Our daily ferry service runs from West End, Tortola to Great Harbour, Jost van Dyke.

theGovernmentoftheVirginIslands highlightedAkeem’s“distinguishedcareer inboththepublicandprivatesectorwith aprovenhistoryofstrategicleadership andsuccessfulmanagement”.

The release continued:

“HavingservedastheActingDeputy ManagingDirectorattheBVIPA previously,heiswell-equippedto steertheorganisationtowardsnew heightsofexcellenceinthemaritime industry”.

With2023closingonarecordbreaking yearforthePortsAuthority,welcoming 720,392cruisepassengersandbreaking

the previous record of 699,105 passengers set in 2016, Akeem considers the future to be positive for BVIPA.

“The record-breaking cruise passenger arrivals in 2023 demonstrates the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority’s commitment to operational excellence, maritime efficiency and strategic collaboration with local and international cruise stakeholders,” he said, “we are seriously on a path to being known as a top regional port, with a clear commitment to out territory and the government”.

www.bviports.org