The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has deployed a second technical team to Jamaica to support ongoing power restoration efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa late last year.

The six-member team from BVIEC’s Transmission and Distribution Department departed the Virgin Islands on Tuesday, March 10, and is expected to spend approximately three weeks assisting with the rebuilding of critical electrical infrastructure in storm-affected communities.

The deployment reflects BVIEC’s continued commitment to regional cooperation among Caribbean utilities as Jamaica continues its long-term recovery from the catastrophic damage caused by the late October 2025 hurricane.

This marks the second group of BVIEC personnel sent to assist with the restoration efforts. The corporation’s first team of six technical workers was deployed on Nov. 2, 2025, and returned to the Territory on Dec. 3 after completing a month-long assignment.

During that mission, BVIEC technicians assisted with rebuilding damaged power lines, replacing light poles, and installing new utility poles to help restore electricity service in heavily impacted areas.

The team’s work initially took place in Montego Bay before shifting to Negril, where infrastructure damage was particularly severe.

The latest deployment was made possible with the support of InterCaribbean Airways, which assisted by waiving fees associated with transporting essential tools and equipment required for the mission.

The regional airline also provided logistical support during BVIEC’s first Jamaica deployment and has facilitated similar technical missions across the Caribbean.

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, in collaboration with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Centre for Applied Marine Studies, will host an “Invasive Species: A Panel Discussion” featuring Joseph Wasilewski, Jeanelle Brisbane and Alberto R. Puente-Rolón on March 17 at the HLSCC Learning Resource Centre Green Room.

The public forum, scheduled for 5 p.m., will focus on the impact of invasive species in the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean and will include perspectives from regional experts who have worked on wildlife management across several islands.

According to the event organizers, the discussion will highlight the environmental risks associated with invasive species and provide an opportunity for residents to hear firsthand accounts from specialists working in the region.

Wasilewski, a wildlife expert with the University of Florida, Brisbane, a wildlife ecologist with WildDominique, and Puente-Rolón, a professor at the University of Puerto Rico, are expected to share research and field experiences related to invasive species management.

Organizers said the event will also allow members of the public to engage with local and regional wildlife experts following the presentation during a session that includes light refreshments.

The discussion is part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the presence and potential effects of non-native species on ecosystems in the Virgin Islands and neighboring Caribbean territories.

The event will take place at the HLSCC Learning Resource Centre Green Room. Members of the public seeking additional information can contact the Centre for Applied Marine Studies at (284) 541-3055 or by email at camslab@hlscc.edu.vg.

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.