VI News Staff 2 years ago
VINStaff Verified #bvinews

Airports Authority Board and SSB will be dissolved

Following the announcement of the dissolution of the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) some weeks ago, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said today that the boards of the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA), and the Social Security Board (SSB) will also be dissolved.

Wheatley confirmed in a live broadcast that the BVIPA Board is currently looking for new members. He also announced the National Unity Government has been assessing several other statutory boards to determine whether they should be dissolved or make any changes to their composition in the best interest of the public.

“I would like to announce that the BVI Airports Authority will have a new board. I have spoken to the chair of the board and communicated the government’s wish to dissolve the recent board. The membership of the entire board has expired, or members have given their resignation. I thank the chairman and the other members for their service,” Dr Wheatley said.

Was in public interest to form new board

The Premier further said his government felt that, in the best interest of the public, it was best to form a new Social Security Board.

“The chairman is currently away from the territory and the deputy chairman already resigned. I take this opportunity to thank the chairman and the membership for their service to the Virgin Islands. I want to make it clear that these boards are not being dismantled because of any knowledge of wrongdoings by the most recent memberships,” Dr Wheatley said.

“I personally know members who have made strong contributions, who are people of integrity and have sacrificed countless hours of their time and energy but given recent events, it is important for us to have a fresh start,” the Premier said.

He added that he believes it is not good practice for persons to sit on multiple statutory boards. Dr Wheatley said these statutory bodies should never be unduly influenced by the concentration of the same people sitting o multiple boards at the same time.

“Cabinet will soon commission a development of a proper protocol for the appointment and dismissal of statutory board members to ensure the process is transparent and the criteria against which people are selected for statutory boards are appropriate,” the Premier said.

Dr Wheatley also noted changes will be made to the BVI Tourist Board. He added the statutory body is critical to supporting the tourism sector.

“The appointment of the current board members will expire shortly. Once this happens, new appointments will be made with strong representation from across the various sector of the tourism industry. Tourism is too critical to our economy to have not such strong sectorial representation. I ask for the industry’s support as we prepare for the upcoming tourism season,” the Premier said.

Dr Wheatley reiterated that the National Unity Government’s action on statutory boards is another step in the right direction as they continue to reform the government. He made it abundantly clear that reform is about making necessary changes to see a better future for the people of the Virgin Islanders.

READ MORE: BVI NEWS

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS WEATHER

Labour Tribunal hearings on hold till new chairman appointed

VI News Staff
2 years ago

Intruders using blowtorches at PWP dumpsite after hours

VI News Staff
2 years ago

Trump Wins Virgin Islands Caucus, Leading 2024 Republican Nomination R...

VI News Staff
1 year ago

34th Legislature Passes Sen. Francis Heyliger’s “Unclaimed Funds” Bill

VI News Staff
2 years ago

Cuba slashes size of daily bread ration as ingredients run thin

VI News Staff
4 months ago