ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, February 14th, 2012  –  Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool has set a clear vision for the direction of the BVI Ports Authority following a meeting held on Wednesday 8th February, 2012 at the Road Town Jetty.

The Minister outlined a number of initiatives that the Ports Authority will be embarking on in the coming months, including making the Captain Owen Harrigan Welcome Centre on Virgin Gorda an official port of entry, refurbishing the Road Town Jetty, looking at revenue generating initiatives at the ports and solving the problems of derelict vessels in the harbour.The meeting was also used by the Minister as an opportunity to speak with the employees to address their issues and concerns.

“Employees of the Ports as Minister I want you to understand that we have a lot of things to accomplish over the next four years. Each one of you is extremely important in delivering a high level of service to our customers and as such I am here to listen to your views and concerns because I understand that unless you are settled and comfortable with your work environment then you will not be able to fulfil your mandate,” Minister Vanterpool noted.

The Minister addressed issues of overtime pay, pension, insurance and outstanding money owed to Port Authority employees.

Following the Minister’s remarks, employees were given an opportunity to share their views and concerns.  The consensus from the employees was that they appreciated the meeting with the Minister and his candid communication with them as he put forward measures to resolve some of their pressing issues.

Members of management including Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Arlene Smith-Thompson, Managing Director, Mr. Vincent O’Neal and Acting Chairman of the Ports Authority Board, Mr. Gregory Adams were also present during the meeting and noted the concerns as well as the way forward.

The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority was established in 1996 to provide the required sea transportation infrastructure that is critical in the efficient handling of passenger and cargo transportation, which helps to bolster the Territory’s economy.

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