The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) Management Team participated in a Leadership Retreat and Planning Day on Friday, 3rd February 2023 at Wyndham Lambert Beach Resort. The theme of the retreat was “Rebuilding and Restoring a Port for the Future”.

Blending wellness, leadership and teamwork featured heavily during the planning day. Various exercises and activities helped to emphasize the need for those qualities in achieving future port goals.

The guest speaker at the retreat and planning day was the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Port Authority, Mr. Carlton Dowe. His presentation highlighted the importance of improving relationships with management, team members, and the board. He also provided the management team with tips on how to appreciate and utilize diversity across all levels of the organization. Cultivating relationships with interest groups and stakeholders was discussed as well during his presentation. Finally, he stressed the importance of understanding the role of a port authority as not being a solitary entity but being part of a larger interconnected network with other regional ports.

Mrs. Shondrea Turnbull led a presentation on the necessity of mental wellness for successful leadership and incorporated activities that reinforced the need for the blending of the two in accomplishing tasks and building a stronger Authority.

The retreat provided an opportunity for open discussion on strategic issues concerning the Port’s three main business anchors of Cargo, Cruise and Ferry. Looking at competitive aspects of the organization and creating opportunities for growth.

Mr. Dean Fahie, the Operations Director currently in charge of Port Operations said, “it was an opportunity to step out of the day-to-day routine to discuss needed adjustments to our plan and other pivotal company issues”

The management team emerged from the retreat and planning day with a renewed focus and plan of action to accomplish the strategical, tactical, and operational tasks required to revitalize the BVI Ports Authority and in turn build a stronger port for its staff, stakeholders, customers, community, and regional partners.