Local News
BVI Airports Authority Takes Leadership Role in ACI-LAC Governing Board
The BVI Airports Authority has been elected to serve as an Advisor on the Governing Board of Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC).
As of January 2023, ACI boasts 712 members, operating in 1925 airports across 171 countries. The council, organized in a federal manner, comprises ACI World and five ACI Regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific and Middle East, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America.
Having joined the council in 2019, the BVI Airports Authority’s recent election to the Advisory role on the Governing Board occurred during the ACI-LAC Annual Assembly Conference and Exhibition in Miami, held from November 5 to 7. Managing Director Mr. Kurt Menal, leading the delegation, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to being a proactive player in regional aviation.
“Our two-year term as an advisor will see the Authority actively contributing to the council’s mission and vision, with a particular focus on air transport liberalization in Latin America and the Caribbean and addressing the perennial issue of intra-regional connectivity,” stated Mr. Menal.
Participating in a panel discussion on air transport liberalization, Mr. Menal emphasized the Authority’s expertise and dedication to shaping the future of aviation in the region. He highlighted the significance of the appointment, positioning the Authority as a leader in aviation and an advocate for regional airports.
“The Governing Board of ACI ensures that policy recommendations represent the collective interests of ACI members. The Authority’s appointment will allow us to provide crucial leadership and act as a strategic link between the Authority and over 700 business partners associated with ACI-LAC,” explained Mr. Menal, foreseeing strengthened collaboration with the Government of the Virgin Islands, particularly in the ambitious Airport development project.
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Theodore Burke, commended the Authority on this significant milestone, stating, “It is indeed an honor for the Authority to champion the cause of smaller airports in the Caribbean. This prestigious appointment recognizes our commitment to excellence and provides an unparalleled opportunity for our staff to be exposed to international best practices and development.”
In addition to the advisory role, the Authority is represented on several ACI-LAC sub-committees, including Safety, Environment, Commercial & Economics, General Aviation, and Human Resources. Staff members specializing in these areas contribute to capacity building and expand their professional networks.
The Airports Council International collaborates with governments, regional ACI members, experts, and international organizations to develop policies, programs, and best practices that advance airport standards globally.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
888sport Acca Pub! Teljesen ingyenes játékforrások, választékok és előrejelzések
-
Local News11 hours agoEast Winds Take Top Spot in BVIFA Under-14 Youth League After Week 3
-
Crime/Police10 hours agoSmall Brent” Wanted in VI Murder Case Now Named in Sint Maarten Double Homicide Probe
-
Health10 hours agoBVI Monitors Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak; Health Minister Says Local Risk Remains Low
-
Local News11 hours agoMan Seriously Injured in Two-Vehicle Crash at Sea Cows Bay
-
Entertainment10 hours ago64 Nominees Announced for 2026 Virgin Islands Icon Awards
-
Education11 hours agoTVET Week 2026 Highlights Skills Training as Key to BVI’s Future
-
Local News11 hours agoWinston Bolus League Opens With Wins for Relentless and Run It Up
-
Local News11 hours agoNick Spizzirri Wins EMCs Tortola Classics Title After Five-Game Final