Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources & Labour Dr. Hon. Kedrick Pickering has met representatives of the BRE Group in Hertfordshire County to discuss support for the recovery of the British Virgin Islands.

On 12 June the Deputy Premier toured the facilities of the BRE Group which is a world leading, multi-disciplinary, building science research centre. Among the facilities toured were a wind tunnel, innovation park and humanitarian Demo Shelter.

The Deputy Premier also heard a presentation on Quantifying Sustainability in the the Aftermath of Natural Disasters (QSAND) programme which features a self-assessment tool to promote and inform the sustainability approaches to relief, recovery and reconstruction after a natural disaster.

He also held positive discussions with BRE's CEO Niall Trafford, BRE Group Research Director Dr. Deborah Pullen, Existing Building Lead James Fisher, Group Operations Director Mike Grant and George Foden on BRE Group's support for BVI in its recovery process and agreed to explore options in the future.

The Deputy Premier was accompanied by Deputy Director of the BVI London Office Dr. Sandra Besson and Cultural Attache Siobhan Flax.

Commenting on the successful meeting with the BRE Group in Hertfordshire County, Hon. Pickering said, "This was an extraordinary visit with huge potential to benefit our recovery from several different perspectives. The BRE Group is world class and will be a great partner for the BVI under our Memorandum of Understanding with Hertfordshire County Council. It is critical that we follow-up on the support on offer."

The Deputy Premier is currently leading a delegation in London, on behalf of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE to attend the UKOTA Pre-Joint Ministerial Council, Joint Ministerial Council for the Overseas Territories on European Negotiations and other meetings in the margins.

He is accompanied by Permanent Secretary in the Premier's Office Dawn Smith, BVI UK Representative Benito Wheatley, BVI London Office Deputy Director Dr. Sandra Besson, Cultural Attache Siobhan Flax and Economic Advisor Steve Johnson.