From rabbit ears to digital cable, from shared payphones to smart phones, the Virgin Islands has come a long way in telecommunications technology in the last 50 years.
Service providers and government agencies arranged displays on Wednesday to try to illustrate that progress during an open house to mark World Telecommunications Day and the VI’s 50th anniversary of telecommunications technology at Maria’s by the Sea.
Luanne Hodge, vice president and general manager of BVI Cable TV, said the progress has been so brisk that many young VI residents no longer remember the days of television sets that received a picture via long antennae that had to be manually adjusted to optimise reception.
The BVI Cable TV display included three televisions, including a small black and white set with “rabbit ears.” Lined up next to each other, the progression of slimmer televisions with larger screens was clear.
In addition to reflecting on a half century of progress, the open house also allowed officers from government agencies like the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and the Telephone Services Management Unit a chance to interact with the public.
“Every year we have an open house, and that’s normally the only time we interact with the public,” said Trevor Searles, of the TSMU. His display of phones from over the years included a pay phone, which he said drew many questions.
On Thursday the 50 years of telecommunications celebrations continue with a luncheon of appreciation for six “stalwarts of communication” in the VI, said the TRC’s Karia Christopher. Those to be honoured are BVI Beacon founders Linnell Abbott and Dora Harrigan; Island Sun founder Vernon Pickering; ZBVI radio’s Merrit Herbert; VITV’s Dave Douglas; and Ham radio operator Arthur Swain.
{fcomment}