Board of Directors
The current five members of the BVI International Arbitration Centre Board were appointed by Cabinet effective 7 September, 2015 under section 95 of the Arbitration Act. They are Mr. John Beechey, Mr. Mark Forte, Mr. Cherno Jallow, QC, Mr. Murray Smith, QC, and Ms. Felice Swapp.
Mr. John Beechey, former President of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce and recently honored by the Queen on his appointment as Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), serves as Chairman. Members of the BVI IAC Board were selected based on their relevant knowledge, experience and expertise which could aid the BVI IAC in the performance of its functions.
Speaking on the appointments of the Board members, Premier Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith, OBE commented:
“The development of the arbitration sector is one of my Government’s priorities as we work towards further growth and diversification of the BVI economy. I am therefore very pleased to welcome the first board members of the BVI International Arbitration Centre. I have every confidence that their respective expertise and insights will be invaluable and very beneficial to the growth and development of the Centre and of arbitration and dispute resolution services in this Territory.”
Newly appointed Chairman Beechey commented:
“The decision of the Cabinet and the generous endorsement of the Premier are signals of government's serious intent to promote the establishment of an international arbitration centre in the BVI, which will offer a service of the highest quality and integrity to its users. It is an honour to be asked to serve on this inaugural IAC Board and to have been entrusted, with my colleagues on the Board, with the task of taking forward the development of the new Centre."
Board Members