Insightful. Local. Global. Portside Conversations is the official podcast of the BVI Ports Authority, offering a fresh take on the stories, innovations, and conversations shaping our ports and maritime industry. Wherever you are, stay connected to the pulse of port life in the British Virgin Islands and beyond.
Episode 8 Portside Conversations: Dave Smith - Guarding the Gateway
Host [Host Name] interviews Dave Smith, Security Manager at the BVI Ports Authority, about evolving port security and its critical role in safeguarding the British Virgin Islands' gateway.
What does it take to keep an island nation connected, moving, and thriving? In this episode of Portside Conversations, we sit down with Romeo Titley, Marine Supervisor, who brings over two decades of maritime expertise and service to the BVI Ports Authority.
From their early days on the waterfront to helping shape the modern port system we know today, Romeo share his personal journey, reflect on the evolution of the Territory's ports, and provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at the essential work of Marine Services. The conversation explores how they supports safe navigation, vessel operations, port development, environmental stewardship, and the seamless movement of people and goods throughout the Virgin Islands.
Through stories of service, leadership, innovation, and teamwork, listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the men and women who work around the clock to ensure our ports remain safe, efficient, and ready for the future.
Discover how Marine Services serves as the backbone of port operations and why its role is critical to the continued growth and development of the British Virgin Islands.
15 Jun 2026
Episode 6 Portside Conversations - Vance Lewis - Building Experiences Beyond the Port
In Episode 6 of Portside Conversations, we sit downwith Vance Lewis, CEO of Tortola Pier Park, to explore the vision,leadership, and partnerships shaping one of the British Virgin Islands’ premiercruise destinations.
From the growth and development of Tortola Pier Park to theimportance of collaboration. This episode highlights the vision of the BVIPorts Authority, how strong public-private partnerships contribute to anenhanced visitor experience and key mindsets for the success of the gateway forcruisers. Vance also shares insights on the evolving cruise tourism landscapeand what the future holds for the Territory.
Tune in for an engaging discussion on progress, innovation,and pride in the VI’s tourism sector.
18 May 2026
Episode 5 Portside Conversations - Patti Romney and the Evolution of the Cruise Tourism Industry
In this episode of Portside Conversations, we sit down with Patti Romney of the Romasco Group for a compelling look at the roots and remarkable growth of the cruise tourism industry in the British Virgin Islands. Patti shares how the journey began with her father’s pioneering vision, laying the foundation for what has become a vital pillar of the territory’s tourism economy.
From humble beginnings to a thriving, world-class cruise destination, she reflects on the evolution of the industry, the partnerships built along the way, and the lasting benefits the Virgin Islands have gained—economically, socially, and culturally.
Tune in to learn how far we’ve come, the lessons from the past, and where the future of cruise tourism in the Virgin Islands is headed.
16 Apr 2026
Portside Conversations: Legacy at the Dock - Pioneering Import Agent of the BVI
In this episode, we explore the early foundations of goods importation in the British Virgin Islands and the critical role played by pioneering agents who helped shape the territory’s trade and maritime landscape. We sat down with Chris Haycraft of Island Shipping to reflect on the journey from the early days at the docks to the modern shipping and agency operations we know today honouring a legacy that continues to support the BVI’s growth.
26 Mar 2026
Portside Conversations: Beyond the Job: Leadership That Connects
Leadership at the BVI Ports Authority goes beyond operations. It is about people, purpose and creating an environment where individuals can grow and thrive. In this episode, Shirmel share the power of leadership style that coaches, mentors and uplifts staff to reach their full potential.
From the figures to engaging in iniatives such as a competitive choir, sports and agriculture. Listen to how investing in people created a stronger team with deep connections and a workplace where excellence and community go hand in hand.
16 Feb 2026
Culture at the Core – A Conversation with Mrs. Velma Chung
In this episode of Portside Conversations, Mrs. Velma Chung joins us to explore the rich culture and meaningful customs that define daily life at the port. She highlights the strong comradery among staff and shares how their voices, experiences, and insights play an active role in shaping port operations. A warm and thoughtful discussion that celebrates the people behind the port.
15 Jan 2026
Anchored in History: How the Ports Began
Every institution has a beginning and every beginning has people behind it.
In Episode 1 of Portside Conversations, Gene Creque takes us through a brief synopsis of his life, his early professional years before the BVI Ports Authority existed, and the role he played during its formation. From those foundational moments through to his retirement, this conversation captures the challenges, decisions, and experiences that helped shape the Authority in its earliest days.
This episode sets the tone for the series, offering listeners an authentic look at the origins of the BVI Ports Authority and the individuals who helped build it from the ground up.
29 Dec 2025
Portside Conversations Launch
Kick off your journey with the BVI Ports Authority’s Portside Conversations, your Portside seat to authentic voices and bold ideas. In this introductory episode, Hon Kye Rymer, Minister of Communications and Works shares the vision for the podcast, what listeners can expect and why the stories of the people and ports that keep our BVI moving. Subscribe now and don’t miss a single conversation that goes beyond the surface.
Inside a recent episode
Episode 8 Portside Conversations: Dave Smith - Guarding the Gateway
Published 17 Aug 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] Safely. Very important. Earlier you were talking about collaborating. You mentioned customs and so forth. And that brings me to another point I wanted us to just kind of talk on when it comes to the security rule in the maritime ecosystem. The industry relies on Many interconnected services, right? […]
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
