Local News
BVI Minister Urges Swift Action from Inter Caribbean Airways on Service Issues
Minister of Communications and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer, has called on Inter Caribbean Airways to expedite efforts to address ongoing service issues that have frustrated travellers from the Virgin Islands. This follows a surge of public complaints about frequent delays, cancellations, and other disruptions.
In response to these concerns, Honourable Rymer held urgent discussions with the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Trevor Sadler, and Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Craig Chapple. The talks focused on the need for immediate improvements to the airline’s service levels.
Airline officials attributed the recent disruptions to a combination of technical difficulties with their aircraft and ongoing staffing challenges. However, Honourable Rymer stressed the critical importance of reliable air transport for the Territory, particularly in maintaining vital regional connections and supporting the local economy.
“Dependable and efficient air transport services are essential for the well-being of our residents and visitors,” said Minister Rymer. “The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to ensuring that these standards are met. We have urged Inter Caribbean Airways to accelerate their efforts to resolve these issues and restore the level of service that our community expects and deserves.”
In response, Inter Caribbean Airways assured the Minister that they are actively working to resolve the technical and crew-related issues that have led to the service disruptions. The airline acknowledged the importance of providing consistent and reliable service to the BVI and committed to making the necessary improvements.
The Ministry of Communications and Works will continue to closely monitor the situation and keep the public informed of any further developments. Meanwhile, the Government remains dedicated to exploring all possible options to ensure that the air travel needs of the BVI community are met with the highest standards of service.
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Local News
British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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