Local News
Water Rationing Implemented in The Valley, Virgin Gorda as Water Production Plant Struggles to Meet Demands
Water rationing measures have been put in place in The Valley in Virgin Gorda as the water production plant in Handsome Bay struggles to meet the water demands of the community.
The Ministry of Communications and Works in a statement released on September 21 said the government is seeking to engage a reputable and qualified company through a public-private partnership to replace and upgrade the water distribution network to ensure a more reliable and efficient water supply for the affected area.
The Ministry noted that residents in The Valley, Virgin Gorda have been grappling with a severe water shortage due to multiple factors, including inadequate water production, an insufficient distribution system, and the infiltration of Sargassum seaweed.
According to the statement, the current operational capacity of the water production plant operated by Aqua Design is unable to meet the demands of the community. As a result, water rationing has been implemented in the area.
The Sargassum seaweed build-up in the area has further exacerbated the water supply problem forcing the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change to procure a floating physical barrier, known as a boom, to prevent Sargassum from entering Handsome Bay. The installation of this barrier is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Additionally, Aqua Design has partnered with a local dive company to make modifications to the intake structure, reducing the impact of the seaweed. The company has also ordered new membranes that will enhance the plant’s daily production. Once these parts are received and installed, the plant’s daily capacity will increase to approximately 430,000 imperial gallons per day by mid-December.
The Ministry and Aqua Design are committed to resolving the water scarcity problem and providing a more reliable and consistent water supply to the residents of the Valley in Virgin Gorda. They apologise for any inconvenience caused and assure the community that efforts are underway to alleviate the situation.
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Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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