The second House of Assembly sitting of 2011 saw full attendance and comments from every legislator as elections loom.
Lawmakers gave updates on road and health-related projects, efforts to aid youth, and new construction at the HOA on Tuesday.
Emergency response in the territory is set to get an update, according to a statement read by Communications and Works Minister Julian Fraser. A new call centre will be established “later this year” under the BVI Fire and Rescue Services, Mr. Fraser said. The department has completed some of the preparations for the change, including installing new phones and qualifying 20 staff members as emergency medical technicians, according to the minister. He added that the ministry has retained an emergency medical services consultant, and plans to “develop a proper legal framework” for responding to emergency calls.
Mr. Fraser said a forthcoming strategic plan for the new system will outline logistical details like where ambulances should be located and how best to serve sister islands.
Education and Culture Minister Andrew Fahie invited the public to attend community meetings planned for the next two weeks about instating a curfew in the territory. The ministry has a template for the legislation, which he said will “greatly assist in minimising” problems with youth like “the backlog of youth at the prison.” Mr. Fahie said that he understands that many people do not want government to “interfere with family business,” but that a curfew is long overdue in the territory.
Mr. Fahie announced plans to pursue curfew legislation in December 2009.
See the April 21, 2011 edition for full coverage.