The newly appointed Board of Directors of the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority has concluded its inaugural orientation session and is now a fully operational statutory board.

The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry will be deploying two isolated danger markers at Blonde Rock and Tow Rock, to promote overall maritime safety in these high-risk areas.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is providing the opportunity for suitably qualified persons to serve as members on the Board of Directors of the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority, established under Section 3(1) of the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority Act, 2023 (the “Act”).

Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith, Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture at the Press Conference on Friday October 6 said: "To remain relevant and competitive, the Shipping Registry must be visible at all times.

Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, Mr. John Samuel,  at the Press Conference on Friday October 6 said: " Persons have the option of registering in any jurisdiction. 

Good afternoon to all the people of the Virgin Islands. I especially welcome those persons present with us and those joining on the airwaves and via the Internet, and members of the media.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley is away from the Territory attending the Monaco Yacht Show until October 1 and the United Nations Meeting in New York on October 3 and 4.

The Government of the Virgin Islands has enhanced the capacity for the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority to compete internationally with the passing of the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority Act and the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act 2022.

The Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority Act, 2023 had its first reading in the House of Assembly on June 29.

Madam Speaker, over the weekend, I made an announcement pertaining to the change in some of the requirements for foreign based charter vessels.