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Discussion ongoing to setup Meteorological office in VI – Hon Rymer

Virgin Islands (VI) Minister for Communication and Works Honourable, Kye M. Rymer (R7) has announced that his team along with the relevant agencies including the BVI Airport Authority (BVIAA) and local Department of Disaster Management (DDM), met with Coordinating Director of the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) Dr. Arlene Laing and her team to initiate discussions about setting up a Meteorological office in the Territory. Photo: HoA/Facebook
Currently, the Antigua National Meteorological Service provides meteorological services to the Virgin Islands. However, Hon Rymer said the National Sustainable Development Plan, Vision 2036 has highlighted concerns with severe or extreme weather events, climate, and climate change that warrant action to mitigate these effects on the islands. Photo: Internet Source
Currently, the Antigua National Meteorological Service provides meteorological services to the Virgin Islands. However, Hon Rymer said the National Sustainable Development Plan, Vision 2036 has highlighted concerns with severe or extreme weather events, climate, and climate change that warrant action to mitigate these effects on the islands. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands (VI) Minister for Communication and Works Honourable, Kye M. Rymer (R7) has announced that his team along with the relevant agencies including the BVI Airport Authority (BVIAA) and local Department of Disaster Management (DDM), met with Coordinating Director of the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) Dr. Arlene Laing and her team to initiate discussions about setting up a Meteorological office in the Territory.

Speaking during Thursday’s June 29, 2023, Second Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, Hon Rymer said his Ministry is responsible for meteorology and the efficient and timely movement of meteorological information.

VI weather service provided by Antigua 

Currently, the Antigua National Meteorological Service provides meteorological services to the Virgin Islands. However, Hon Rymer said the National Sustainable Development Plan, Vision 2036 has highlighted concerns with severe or extreme weather events, climate, and climate change that warrant action to mitigate these effects on the islands. 

“Therefore, the Ministry of Communications and Works is developing a National Meteorological Office to provide efficient and timely movement of meteorological information, which is necessary to provide forecasted data about weather conditions that can affect safety and improve sustainability.”

Honourable Rymer said the Virgin Islands' economy relies on tourism, fishing, the marine environment, agriculture, aviation, and other services, which are all affected by the Territory's weather and climate conditions.

VI economy effected by climate conditions 

“The region is vulnerable to coastal and marine hazards, and extreme weather events and climate variability have historically impacted sustainable development. Recent events like floods and hurricanes demonstrate the need to invest in local weather forecasting capabilities to reduce disaster risks.”

He said developing a National Meteorological Service through a dedicated office is a significant step towards addressing concerns related to severe weather events, climate, and climate change in the Territory.

“With the support of organizations like the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), we can work towards building a resilient and sustainable future for the citizens of these Virgin Islands,” Hon Rymer detailed. 

8 Responses to “Discussion ongoing to setup Meteorological office in VI – Hon Rymer”

  • asura (01/07/2023, 13:31) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    we need the extension of the airport bossie!!!
  • WTF (01/07/2023, 13:46) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    FIX. THE. ROADS.
    • Greg (01/07/2023, 19:39) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Meteorologist office? Build a medical center on our sister islands first, even if it is to administer first aid to injured people, it will hold them until they can get to the hospital if needed. This young teenager's injury on Jost has proven that, no matter how small or serious, first aid should always be available ASAP.
  • Another Boondoggle (01/07/2023, 14:33) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a huge waste of money. We already have access to plenty of sophisticated weather information for free. Online sources far exceed the jokes sent out from Antigua, late as usual. Just look to the west at the National Weather Service’s San Juan office. A wealth of free information there. For tropical weather you have the likes of Mikes Westhet page not to mention Windy and Tropical tidbits. Please I beg of you dont waste a penny of the taxpayers funds on this. FIX THE ROADS AND STOP BURNING TRASH
    • They said... (02/07/2023, 06:41) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      We don't need a college here when we can go overseas.....

      We don't need the Noel Lloyd park......

      If you listen to people...darling you'll never reach nowhere, that's why the community college is still a community college to this day.
  • Fix The Damn Roads!!! (01/07/2023, 15:28) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    What wrong with these people we elected mehson? Their priorities messed up bad. Look at the damn roads, do you know the BVI is rated #1 for the worst roads in the entire Caribbean? This place becoming shabby by the day.
  • .FACIAL EXPRESSION (01/07/2023, 20:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    IS SAYING )> AR-YO CAN MEK ALL THE NOIZE AR -YO WANT , I GUYNE DO WAH I FEEL LIKE ???? ????
  • Lybia (02/07/2023, 13:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    His ministry is the one that needed splitting. Too much infrastructure issues for him alone to concentrate on.


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