Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer was engaged in discussions on Tuesday, September 12, with members of Hertfordshire County Council, United Kingdom in the areas of road infrastructure development and fire and rescue services.

Honourable Rymer said, “Discussions included bringing awareness to the importance of having a formalised road programme with long-term investment and commitment to ensure the development and maintenance of safe roads in the Territory.”

The Minister said the use of innovative road surface technologies for road infrastructure development, opportunities for information sharing and knowledge exchange to assist in the Territory with the redevelopment of its road infrastructure network and maintenance strategy were also discussed.

Honourable Rymer said, “In the area of Fire and Rescue Services, discussions surrounded the use of technology in firefighting operations to enhancing efficiency during critical situations. Opportunities for training, peer to peer discussions and knowledge exchange were suggested as potential avenues for sharing experiences and identifying areas that require further development.”

The Minister said the meeting showcased the commitment of Hertfordshire County Council to continue cooperation and collaborate with the Territory on ways to innovate, and enhance the quality of services provided to the local community in the Virgin Islands.

Honourable Rymer further stated that the meeting demonstrated a collaborative effort to deepen and strengthen the relationship between Hertfordshire County and the Virgin Islands for future engagement on infrastructure and safety initiatives.

Minister Rymer’s delegation included Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro, Acting Deputy Financial Secretary Dr. Drexel Glasgow, and Acting Director in the BVI London Office Ms. Tracy Bradshaw.

Discussions with Hertfordshire County Council included Chairman, Councillor Terry Douris; Executive Member, Highways and Transport Councillor Phil Bibby; Director of Highways and Strategic Operations, Mr. Tony Boucher and Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Alex Woodman. The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in local governance.

The Ministry of Communications and Works continues to ensure the continued development and maintenance of public infrastructure in keeping with international standards so that public utilities are reliable and affordable in support of an enhanced community life for every resident and visitor in the Virgin Islands.