25 Officers Complete Incident Command System Training
Twenty-five public officers from across the British Virgin Islands completed a three-day Concepts of the Incident Command System (ICS) training organised by the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute (VIPSLI) from April 27–29, 2026. The course combined classroom learning with practical exercises under regional trainer Peter C. Burgess (PAHO/WHO), and certificates issued to successful participants are valid for three years; a related Emergency Care and Treatment (ECAT) first-aid course trained 46 law-enforcement officers earlier in April (VINO, Guavaberry).
Twenty-five public officers from a cross-section of the British Virgin Islands public sector completed a three-day Concepts of the Incident Command System (ICS) training course held April 27–29, 2026 and facilitated by the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute (VIPSLI).
Burgess, Regional Trainer with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The course introduced participants to the concepts and principles of ICS — an internationally recognised framework used to coordinate emergency response operations and manage incidents of varying scale and complexity.
Participants came from the Department of Immigration, His Majesty’s Prison, BVI Airports Authority, Department of Disaster Management, Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service, His Majesty’s Customs, BVI Ports Authority, and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. The twenty-five officers who received certificates were: Angeline Stevens, Avery Malone, Cleve Davis, Clifford Frith, Clinton Romney, Dinsley Samuel, Gilbert Charles, Jamal Mickle, James Seaman, Jennifer King-Grate, Jeremy Tuckett, Julanie Jack, Kambi Brathwaite, Kenroy Matthias, Kesena Okoro, Kristal Collins, Marlon Mullings, Phil Dasilva, Rawlston Williams, Rikejah Fahie, Sean McCall, Shaday Peters, Shaun Mactavious, Shelby Bailey-Frazer, and Vickaycee Winter (VINO).
Organisers said the programme blended theoretical instruction with hands-on practical exercises so participants could apply ICS concepts in simulated environments. That practical element was emphasised in reporting from Guavaberry, which noted the course allowed law enforcement officers and first responders throughout the public sector to test skills in realistic scenarios.
The hands-on approach aimed to strengthen participants' ability to function within standardised roles and clear chains of command during multi-agency incidents (Guavaberry). George commended the officers, saying, "The diligence demonstrated by these officers throughout this programme reflects the high standard of service we continue to cultivate across the Public Sector." She added that the training ensured officers not only absorbed information but also enhanced practical skills needed to respond effectively to a wide range of emergency situations (Guavaberry/VIPSLI).
Certificates issued to successful participants are valid for three years. The ICS course complements other recent capacity-building efforts: VIPSLI and Mr Burgess also facilitated an Emergency Care and Treatment (ECAT) Advanced First Aid course that trained 46 law-enforcement officers from April 13–24, 2026, strengthening pre-hospital care and response capabilities across the Territory (VINO).
By investing in ICS knowledge and advanced first-aid skills, local agencies aim to improve multi-agency coordination, communication and decision-making during crises — important for a Territory that faces hazards from hurricanes to marine incidents and complex public-safety events.
Reporting from Guavaberry added detail on the practical exercises used during the ICS course, providing additional context to the training outcomes announced by VIPSLI and VINO.
Primary source: VINO