Ports Authority  holds successful 2021/22 Annual General Meeting after a two- year break

#TurksandCaicos, July 15, 2022 – Ports Authority Chairman, Urban Francis presided over the Ports Authority 3^rd Annual General Meeting at the Atrium Resort Conference room on Thursday 23^rd, June 2022; following a break of 2 years, due the pandemic.

The Ports Authority’s 2021/22 Annual Report and Video were launched at the meeting.

Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services, with responsibility for the Ports Authority brought remakes at the meeting.  He stated that the government was pleased with the progress been made on various work plans.  He pledged the government’s continued support for the work of the Ports Authority, noting that $60 million was allocated in the 2022/23 Budget for port related projects.

Chairman Francis in his Annual Report highlighted the major achievements of the Ports Authority during 2021/22 and outline plans for 2022/23.  Chairman Francis noted that shipping had recovered in 2021/22 which was a very successful year for the Ports Authority.  He acknowledged the support of many government departments during the year.  He was particularly pleased with results in the areas of governance, staff development and internal promotions and the ongoing implementation of infrastructure projects, with an estimated value of $60 million, on all islands.

The Guest Speaker for the AGM was Mrs. Lormeka Williams, Director of the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources who noted the importance of shipping and related impacts on the environment.  She challenged the Ports Authority to adopt work plans areas, such as biosecurity and climate change.

Mr. Lewellyn Henfield, Owner, Lew 1 Shipping and a stalwart of the shipping industry brought ‘reflections’ at the meeting.  He traced the progress of the national shipping sector during his over 40 years career.  He noted the importance of shipping to national development and recalled many sectoral challenges.  He was hopeful these were being addressed ‘since Rome was not built in a day.’ He encouraged young people to consider careers in the shipping sector.

The AGM provided an opportunity to recognize staff achievements during the year.  Mrs. Agatha Walkin was awarded the Chairman Award as the best performing Security Supervisor; and PA to the Director of Ports, Ms. Dorothy ‘Peggy’ Malcolm was presented with the Director’s Award for outstanding performance amongst the administrative.  Staff who won quarterly awards were also recognized during the meeting.

The event which was hosted by Ms. Paula Stewart, Business & Communication Manager was attended by staff and a wide cross-section of stakeholders.