Local businessman John Samuels has been tipped as the new Managing Director of the BVI Port Authority. Mr. Samuels who currently serves as the Chairman of HSLCC’s Board of Governors, has had a healthy career and many persons are seemingly happy with the rumored appointment.
John served as the director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry for a number of years. During his tenure he was responsible for the administration of the establishment, operation and development of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry; and also managed the budgets of the department. Within his capacity of public service, he also served as a former acting Permanent Secretary in the then Ministry of Communications and Works. John also entered the 2019 political race and rose up as a stronger contender against incumbent, 6th district representative, Alvera Maduro-Caines. In June, 2019 Mr. Samuel was appointed as chairman of the HLSCC board of Governors.
284 Media reached out to Chairman of the BVIPA, Mr. Nathaniel Isaacs who respectfully declined to comment and efforts and up to press time, John Samuels was unreachable.
Nevertheless, he is touted to become the port’s new managing director, succeeding St Lucia national Mr. Lenius Lendor. Lendor was appointed managing director of the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) and started working officially on Monday, September 3, 2018 on a two-year contract. That contract will now be terminated 8-months short of the initial agreement and it remains unclear whether he will be paid for the remainder of months.