A number of residents from the sister islands now have the capacity to safely sail the territory after 80 persons recently received sail-safe training certification from a series of workshops.
This was confirmed in a government-commissioned media release which said the training was conducted on the sister islands of Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada.
Among the areas covered during the programme were: safety on the seas, boating laws and regulations, a first aid refresher, and VHF radio training.
The sessions were a collaborative effort by the Office of the Deputy Governor, in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management, H.M. Customs, Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) and the BVI Red Cross.
Speaking on the initiative was Sister Islands Coordinator, Ms. Sasha Flax who said the new skills learned will enable the 80 recipients to be better prepared ahead of the 2022/2023 tourist season.
She said, ““With the upcoming tourist season and so many persons employed in various areas of the marine industry, it was fitting to play a part in building the capacity of this sector. Participants were engaged, played a role in several demonstrations and were able to learn the basics when it comes to safety on the seas.”
She added, “We look forward to building the capacity in more sectors as time progresses.”
Residents on the mainland of Tortola will also have the opportunity to participate in a similar workshop which is scheduled for Friday, November 4.
It will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Edris O’ Neal Conference Room at the BVI Red Cross.
To register, interested persons are asked to contact 468-9721 or email sisterislandsoffice@gov.vg.