Local News
Restoration Efforts Underway as Flow Technicians Tackle Post-Storm Repairs
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ernesto, leading telecommunications provider Flow has initiated an extensive restoration campaign to reconnect its residential and business customers across the Territory. The storm, which swept through on Tuesday, August 13, left significant damage in its wake, disrupting services in various areas.
Flow technicians have made significant progress, restoring connectivity to mobile sites in Virgin Gorda North, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada. Efforts are ongoing on Tortola, particularly at the Chalwell and Long Swamp Fiber Distribution Points. These crucial hubs serve broadband customers in regions including Great Mountain, Spooners Estate, Cane Garden Bay, Chalwell, and Fat Hog’s Bay to the Airport.
Restoration work is also advancing in Virgin Gorda, with focus areas being North Sound and the Valley.
“We understand the importance of connectivity for our customers in resuming their daily lives and we thank them for their patience during this restoration phase,” said Nadia A. James, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Flow. “We are committed to restoring connectivity and having most of our broadband customers back online before the weekend.”
James further explained that the company’s priority is to swiftly repair the main fiber distribution points, which should automatically restore internet services in affected communities. Once these critical repairs are completed, technicians will focus on investigating individual customer faults as they are reported.
Flow customers experiencing service interruptions due to the storm or ongoing recovery efforts are encouraged to report issues via WhatsApp at 1284-544-4444 for Tortola or 1284-544-0189 for Virgin Gorda. Reports can be made Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and to the Regional Customer Care Team at 1800-804-2994 from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. Customers are advised to provide their account information when making a report.
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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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