1 of 2 fire tenders being sourced ‘should be in place’ in January- BVIAA MD
This is according to BVIAA Managing Director Kurt A.G. Menal, who said one of the fire tenders being sourced should be in place by the end of January 2024.
The Auguste George Airport on Anegada had to be closed last weekend due to the fire tender there being taken to the Taddy Bay Airport on Anegada, since the fire tender on Virgin Gorda had malfunctioned.
This move has angered some residents of Anegada, who are already of the opinion the island is like an afterthought to the government.
Temporary mitigation measure
Mr Menal assured that the relocation of the Anegada airport fire truck is a temporary mitigation measure.
“Various scenarios were explored to arrive at this decision each of which underwent a thorough process of risk assessment.
“In the interest of the Territory as a whole and in consideration of the above normal flight schedule in Virgin Gorda over the weekend the option to relocate the appliance from Anegada to VG was taken until the crucial part is replaced,” Mr Menal told our newsroom on Monday, December 4, 2023.
Medivacs permitted on Anegada
Mr Menal added that several factors were taken into consideration, such as the requirement for connectivity for emergency and medical care.
“As such approval was sought to allow medevac flights to service Anegada if required during the temporary closure. The available extinguishing agents at the airport were also augmented as a further safety measure.”
There were reports that a resident of Anegada needing to be airlifted for medical attention was affected by the airport closure.
According to Mr Menal’ however, “with respect to the resident who had to be evacuated, the request was immediately facilitated given the circumstances.”
Importation of part for fire tender a ‘high priority’
Meanwhile, Mr Menal said sourcing the required part for the malfunctioned fire tender is a high priority.
He said the part must be imported and the expectation is to have it in Tortola as soon as practicable.
See related article below:
Anegadians peeved as airport closed due to fire truck taken to VG airport
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8 Responses to “1 of 2 fire tenders being sourced ‘should be in place’ in January- BVIAA MD”
Back to the fire engine procurement, will the engine be new or reconditioned units. If reconditioned, was a net present value analysis done? Well functioning and readily available public safety equipment , ie, fire engines, etc., safes lives, prevent serious, debilitating injuries, etc. Saving lives should be the highest priority and should be put at unnecessary. All BVI residents lives matter whether they live on Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, or on other outlying islands. Rationing protection should not be a choice in 2023.