04/26/2016
The Minister of Communications in the Caribbean island nation of Anguilla has
assured greater recognition for Amateur Radio operators and their work,
according to an article[1] this week in The Anguillan. Minister Curtis
Richardson made the commitment during a talk to the Anguilla Amateur Radio
Society (AARS) in observance of World Amateur Radio Day, April 18.
"I think the time has come to seriously consider duty-free concessions for
members who import ham radio equipment for use in the service of the country,"
the newspaper quoted Richardson. "[This is] on condition that they have bona
fide membership in the Anguilla Amateur Radio Society, are in good financial
standing, and are committed to volunteering with the Emergency Operations
Centre, Red Cross, and other places when and where their service is required."
AARS President Keith Greaves, VP2EKG, said the club organized the roundtable
discussion with top government officials to discuss greater recognition for
Amateur Radio operators on the island, duty-free concessions on ham radio gear,
and a special ID card for ham radio operators. Richardson told the club that
he's considering the issuance of identification cards - similar to a driver's
license - for ham radio operators sanctioned by the Ministry of Communications.
In addition to Richardson, the club invited the island's British Gov Christina
Scott, as well as representatives from law enforcement, the Red Cross,
commercial telecom providers, the Department of Disaster Management, the Public
Utilities Commission, and security agencies.
Richardson said Amateur Radio volunteers have played a vital role in providing
reliable communication in the event of disasters, especially when other
communication modes were down. "From all accounts, the local radio society
provides a critical link with the outside world," Richardson said. Gov Scott
also thanked the Anguilla Amateur Radio Society for helping during emergencies
by supporting communication.
Greaves said the club, established in the mid-1970s, works closely with the
Department of Disaster Management, law enforcement, and the Red Cross in
disaster and emergency situations, especially during the Atlantic hurricane
season from June to November each year. - Thanks to The Anguillan and IARU
Region 2
[1] http://theanguillian.com/2016/04/anguilla-amateur-radio-society-holding-mini
ster-to-promise/
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