Correspondence seen by this news site for TV station CBN channel 51, noted that the department of information and public relations is in the process of reorganizing and streamlining its visual communication strategy so that it is aligned with the current budget allotment. Photo: VINO

Contacted by Virgin Islands News Online on March 24, 2014 for a comment on the issue, Director of Communications Mrs Arliene T. Penn was asked about the correspondence sent out to television stations. She however asked that she return a call immediately to Virgin Islands News Online. However up to post time today March 27, 2014 no call was received from her. Photo: GIS

Contacted by Virgin Islands News Online on March 24, 2014 for a comment on the issue, Director of Communications Mrs Arliene T. Penn was asked about the correspondence sent out to television stations. She however asked that she return a call immediately to Virgin Islands News Online. However up to post time today March 28, 2014 no call was received from her.

At least two independent television stations have confirmed receiving email correspondences from the Government Information Service informing of changes to programming arrangements regarding Government programmes to be aired.

One station manager who did not want to be named confirmed this, but was still not clear as to what changes will be made to the programming or the arrangements for their airing.

“From what I have been able to ascertain the Government programmes are still going to be there, they are just not going to be in the half hour format. What I would be willing to put on the record is that Government has given us correspondence indicating that there have been budgetary cuts,” the station source said.

“I know that they wanted us to provide the same thing that we were doing at a lower cost. That’s what they were basically trying to negotiate with us,” said the source in the TV station.

He said that the Government has informed them that there have been budgetary cuts in all Government departments “and they are asking us to do more with less.”

It is also this news site understating that the House of Assembly live coverage will remain however it is left to be seen if CBN Channel 51 will continue to carry the live TV coverage.

Correspondence seen by this news site for TV station CBN channel 51, noted that the department of information and public relations is in the process of reorganizing and streamlining its visual communication strategy so that it is aligned with the current budget allotment.