The third annual video competition which showcases the BVI’s talents through technology and innovation was launched on April 4.

The competition is hosted by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) in observance of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) to be observed globally on May 17.

Chief Executive Officer at the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, Mr. Guy L. Malone, said the video competition was launched under the theme ‘LTE: Taking Broadband in the BVI to Another Level’. 

Mr. Malone said, “The event continues to captivate the BVI public more and more each year and the TRC is delighted that we can educate our people on telecommunications while incorporating some fun.”

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) was observed in 2015 under the theme, ‘Improving Lives through Broadband Innovation’, while ‘Broadband: the Future of Innovation’ was the theme in 2016.

The worldwide theme this year is ‘Big Data for Big Impact’ however, the BVI has placed its own personal subtheme to highlight the awarding of LTE Spectrum in August 2016.

The competition is open to everyone under two categories: Young adults, ages 12 to18: and adults, ages 19 and above. The video must incorporate the theme and should be no longer than three (3) minutes. Deadline for video submissions is May 5 with a prize-giving ceremony on May 17.

Administrative Manager and the organiser of the event for the past three years, Mrs. Denise Stoutt-Johnney confirmed that a new segment will be introduced to this year’s event in that of a popularity prize. 

Mrs. Stoutt-Johnney said all videos received will be opened for viewing and judging by the public via TRC’s website and Facebook page.  The video receiving the most votes will be adjudged most popular.

Prizes include trips, accommodations, an iPad Pro, an iPad Air 2, an Apple Watch, a Smart Phone and US$500 cash. For registration forms and rules visit TRC’s website at www.trc.vg/WTISD or their Facebook page at facebook.com/TRCVI.  Interested persons can also telephone 468-4165 for more information.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) has been celebrated annually worldwide since 1969. The day helps to bring awareness to the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as ways to bridge the digital divide.  The British Virgin Islands joined the rest of world in 2009 in celebrating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.