Local News
BVIEC’s STEP Initiative Set to Slash Electricity Bills by 50%
Minister of Communication & Works, Kye Rymer, announced the launch of the Solar Technology Energy Program (STEP) at a press conference today, April 18, highlighting its potential to slash electricity costs for residential customers by up to 50%.
The STEP initiative, spearheaded by the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), aims to alleviate the burden of high electricity bills while advancing the transition to cleaner energy sources.
“Under the STEP initiative, BVIEC will cover the upfront costs of equipment and installation, marking a significant departure from traditional models,” Minister Rymer explained. “Participants will benefit from grid tie systems, harnessing solar energy to offset reliance on imported fuel and reduce overall electricity expenses.”
Minister Rymer emphasised the critical importance of sustainable energy adoption, particularly in the face of global challenges and the imperative to combat climate change.
“National outcome number nine of the National Sustainable Development Plan speaks to the adoption of sustainable energy, which would lower our reliance on imported fuel and introduce more renewable types of energy,” stated Minister Rymer, underlining the government’s commitment to fostering cleaner and more affordable energy solutions for the territory.
The initiative, Minister Rymer emphasized, is designed to empower residents and enhance the territory’s resilience against external economic shocks. By leveraging duty-free import status and strategic procurement practices, BVIEC aims to procure components at the lowest possible cost, ensuring maximum savings for participants.
“To facilitate widespread adoption, BVIEC will engage certified installers, providing them with invaluable experience in solar technology installation,” Minister Rymer noted. “This not only supports the STEP program but also fosters new business ventures aligned with the territory’s climate change agenda.”
Minister Rymer urged residents to register their interest in the STEP program, emphasising its role in driving economic growth and improving quality of life in the Virgin Islands. With projected payback periods as short as under two years, the initiative promises tangible benefits for both participants and the broader community.
In a tangible example provided by Minister Rymer, a customer with an annual usage of 15,624 kilowatts could expect savings of over $2,700 per year with the implementation of a grid tie system, demonstrating the transformative potential of solar technology in reducing electricity costs.
Local News
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.
According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.
“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.
Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
