The Territory is expected to have an improved VHF radio communications system that meets its daily operational needs following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by His Excellency the Governor, August J. U. Jaspert on behalf of the UK Government and the Chair of the Board of the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), Dr. Robert Mathavious.

The agreement also provides for a robust system of security and emergency communications that can be maintained during a disaster. The VHF Communications System project will be funded in part by the Government of the Virgin Islands and in part through the $80,016 grant from the UK Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) committed through the MOU. This project is a Recovery to Development Plan (RDP) Phase One priority project.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone was present at the signing and expressed thanks for the critical VHF equipment leading up to hurricane season.

The VHF Communications System project is expected to benefit multiple Government stakeholders including the Governor’s Group, the BVI Airports Authority, HM Customs, the Immigration Department, Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue, Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Her Majesty’s Prison, the Department for Disaster Management and the National Emergency Operations Centre.

An agreement was also signed for the CAMEL Marine Survey project which will also be co-funded by the Government of Virgin Islands alongside the UK Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) support of $149,000.

The project will enable the Ministry of Natural Resources, and Labour  to conduct marine surveys to formulate a base of evidence for marine spatial planning to improve maritime policy decisions and sustainable use of environmental resources. 

The Government of the United Kingdom has provided support in three phases since the passage of the 2017 hurricanes that affected the VI. These include funding and practical support. The UK has also committed to supporting the recovery and long term development of VI in the form of a UK loan guarantee of up to 300 million pounds.

Photo attached:

• His Excellency the Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert and the Chair of the Recovery and Development Agency board, Mr. Robert Mathavious signing the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) for the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) to support the BVI’s VHF Communications System Project and the survey to inform planning and Environmental protection.