The government has dissolved a Florida-based limited liability company that sparked questions when its existence was first reported shortly after the April arrests of then-Premier Andrew Fahie and then-BVI Ports Authority Managing Director Oleanvine Maynard, according to Deputy Premier Kye Rymer.
The company — BVI Ports Authority, LLC — was registered on Dec. 23, 2019 in the names of Ms. Maynard, thenBVIPA Deputy Chair Roxane Sylvester, and then-BVI Tourist Board Chair Kenisha Sprauve.
Mr. Rymer said in May that the office was located near the Miami International Airport and that he had been advised that it was intended to be a shared space for the ports, the BVITB, and the VI Shipping Registry for dealings in the US.
“It was intended to be a multi-agency space for the purpose of marketing and promoting tourism, ship registration and perhaps in the future serve as a base in Miami for Virgin Islanders, residents and students requiring assistance while abroad,” Mr. Rymer said in May. “In addition, it could potentially serve as a business hub for BVI entrepreneurs requiring office or meeting space during travel.”
He added at the time that the company was not set up “to engage in any revenue-generating business.” The office never officially opened due to the pandemic, he said, adding that it was still managed by the BVIPA.
New update
At the time, he also promised to investigate further and provide more updates later. Last week in the House of Assembly, he followed through, repeating similar explanations about the company and noting that dissolution documents were filed on Aug. 12 and a copy of the dissolution was received on Sept. 23.
“At this juncture, the office was dissolved mainly because of the ownership structure,” he told the HOA on Oct. 25. The minister added that the BVIPA initially decided to register the company through a board resolution passed in November 2019.
“The office space in Miami was intended to be a multiagency office for marketing and promoting tourism and ship registration,” he said. “It was also envisioned to serve as a support and resource base where BVI nationals and residents who are students and conducting business require assistance while abroad.”
Next steps
The Cabinet, he added, will soon make a “formal decision” on the possibility of re-opening a Miami office. “The Ministry of Communications and Works has had discussions with the BVI Tourist Board and BVI Shipping Registry regarding the viability of the office in Miami,” Mr. Rymer said.
“They both agree that having a physical presence in Miami is a good idea as Miami is the hub for international business. As such, it enhances the opportunity for air and seaport relationships with international airlines and the cruise industry of Florida.”
Meanwhile, the planned re-establishment of a Civil Aviation Department will help the territory target wealthy individuals who own private airplanes, according to Mr. Rymer.
“Therefore, the collaboration of these agencies means that the territory can now offer a ‘one-stop shop’ experience to guests,” he said.