BVIPA launches Pilot Port Education Programme for students

The BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) has launched a Pilot Port Education Programme for students in primary and secondary schools across the territory.

The main aim of the programme is to generate student interest in the maritime industry. The Ports Authority said it hopes to encourage persons to seek careers in the field and continue the advancement of the maritime industry in the Virgin Islands.

In a recent press release by the BVIPA, this new initiative will zone in on teaching students about the functions of the ports, international trade, and careers in the maritime industry.

The Pilot Port Education Programme has various resources for the interested students at different levels and covers a few main themes.

They are ‘what is a port?’, the BVIPA’s three main business anchors, as well as ‘careers, partnering agencies and stakeholders and the overall role the ports play in the Virgin Islands economy.

Managing Director of the Ports Authority, Oleanvine Maynard said she hopes the pilot programme is a success and achieves its intended targets.

“Students will hopefully gain a greater interest in the maritime trade and choose to pursue careers in that field,” Maynard said.

“This programme will help equip students with knowledge and understanding of the diverse work and career opportunities related to our ports,” the Managing Director added.

The BVIPA has also designated a mascot for the programme. The mascot, Andy the Anchor, was designed and created to help raise awareness and interest in the diverse industry.

The Ports Authority has three presentations up on their website that are easily accessible for teachers and students. The first one gives an overview of the programme, the second one contains background information on the BVIPA while the final one describes the three main anchors of the BVIPA which are cruise, ferry, and cargo.

Additionally, presentations will be added in the future.