On Wednesday, 27th August, Senior Managers from across the Public Service engaged in the quarterly Sister Islands Coordination Committee Meeting, held on Anegada. 

The Sister Islands Coordination Committee (SICC) is chaired by the Deputy Governor and serves as the coordinating body for the discussion, management and implementation of solutions to various issues across the Sister Islands.

During this meeting, the Sister Islands Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Monel Nickie and the District Officers presented on issues based on an existing database and on comments received from community members. Discussions focused on finding solutions to the recent influx on Sargassum Seaweed, infrastructural upgrades, updates to government offices, providing support to public officers and other topics.

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, who is chairing the meeting, outlined that meetings of the SICC are critical to ensuring the Sister Islands receive the support needed to solve complex and persisting issues that may arise.

Mrs. DaBreo-Lettsome said, “The Sister Islands and the issues they face are just as important as what we deal with on Tortola. These committee meetings, especially considering the fact that we hold it on different islands, allows us to bring these concerns to the forefront, and address them with the urgency that they deserve. Our Senior Managers remain fully committed to serving each and every island and community within the Virgin Islands.”

            Following the initial discussion, the senior managers conducted site visits to more than five (5) locations on Anegada that are of concern and interest. Sites included the new Solar Farm at BVI Eelectricity Corporation, the Theodolph Faulkner Administration Building, the Anegada Community Library, the Auguste George International Airport and others.

            District Officer for Anegada, Ms. Shirley Vanterpool expressed her gratitude for the SICC Meeting being held on Anegada and stated that the Senior Managers will now gain first-hand knowledge of the concerns of residents, speak to them and formulate responses based on what is seen on the ground.

Attendees at the meeting included representation from the Premier’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Health and Social Development, Ministry of Communications and Works and the Office of the Deputy Governor.