Eighth District Representative Hon. Marlon Penn has raised concerns over the management and policies of the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) during a recent House of Assembly sitting.
Penn highlighted “questionable” activities at the Ports Authority, particularly regarding taxi operations and decision-making processes.
The legislator expressed particular concern about the past operations of the Tortola Pier Park, which he claimed was run by a single board member.
Penn emphasized the need for greater transparency and good governance, noting that the Ports Authority Amendment Bill has introduced changes to improve these areas. He specifically mentioned new protections in regards to indemnification for board members who make decisions on behalf of the Authority.
A key issue highlighted was the lack of consistency in the tender process for taxi operations across the territory’s ports. Penn questioned why taxi services at the airport were being tendered while other ports continued to operate under the traditional association model.
He urged the Communications and Works Ministry to clarify its policies on managing taxi operations at ports.
Penn cautioned against sudden changes that might disadvantage long-standing operators, especially at Beef Island, where traffic has recently increased.