The BVI Minister for Communications and Works, Kye M. Rymer met with Minister for Public Utilities, Marvin Gonzales of Trinidad and Tobago for talks about drinking water in the Caribbean.
Trinidad and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) share some similarities in their efforts to provide clean drinking water due to their reliance on specific strategies to address the challenges of freshwater availability. Here’s what they have in common:
- Limited Natural Freshwater Resources: Both locations face constraints in natural freshwater availability. Trinidad, while having more rainfall than the arid BVI, still struggles with distribution challenges. The BVI, with its smaller landmass and less rainfall, often relies on alternative sources.
- Use of Desalination: The BVI heavily relies on desalination plants to produce potable water due to its limited freshwater resources. Similarly, desalination is an option in Trinidad for supplementing water supplies, especially during shortages or dry seasons.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Both regions encourage rainwater harvesting as a practical measure for individuals and communities to store water for domestic use, particularly in rural or underserved areas.
- Infrastructure Challenges: Both face issues with aging or insufficient water distribution systems. Leakage, inefficiency, and challenges in reaching rural or remote areas affect clean water availability.
- Vulnerability to Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, storms, and other climate-related events can disrupt water infrastructure in both Trinidad and the BVI, emphasizing the need for resilient systems to ensure clean drinking water during and after disasters.
Gonzales, past Chair of the Caribbean Meteorological Council, was attending a meeting in the Virgin Islands where discussions were held on the critical challenges faced by Caribbean nations in ensuring a reliable water supply.
The ministers also discussed the unique challenges Caribbean states encounter regarding water management.
They explored innovative practices and strategies aimed at enhancing water distribution and management systems across their respective countries. Both ministers also visited the Seven Seas Water Treatment Facility in the Territory.
Rymer said, “We recognise the urgency of these challenges and the necessity for a coordinated approach to overcome them. Our commitment to collaboration will enable us to share experiences and best practices within the utility sector.”
Gonzales added, “I am honored and grateful to my ministerial colleague for facilitating this visit and tour of the Seven Seas Water Treatment Facility. This experience has been invaluable in addressing the pressing issue of sustainable water supply that affects our nations.”
Ministers Rymer and Gonzales agreed on the importance of developing a sustainable utility sector that not only meets current demands but also fosters economic growth and social development throughout the Caribbean region.
They pledged to work together to ensure that all citizens have access to clean water at home.
The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing water sustainability initiatives that will benefit their communities and contribute to a more resilient Caribbean.
Source: BVI GIS.
