Sister Islands Coordination Committee Convenes on Anegada
Senior Managers from the Public Service recently held the quarterly Sister Islands Coordination Committee Meeting on Anegada, focusing on a range of issues including the Sargassum Seaweed influx and infrastructural upgrades. The meeting aimed at ensuring the Sister Islands receive the necessary support to tackle these challenges.
In a concerted effort to address the various challenges faced by the Sister Islands, the quarterly Sister Islands Coordination Committee (SICC) Meeting was held on Anegada on Wednesday, 27th August 2025. Chaired by the Deputy Governor, the committee plays a pivotal role in the discussion, management, and implementation of solutions to issues impacting the Sister Islands, with a strong focus this quarter on the recent influx of Sargassum Seaweed, infrastructural improvements, and updates to government offices among other pressing topics.
During the meeting, the Sister Islands Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Monel Nickie, alongside District Officers, presented issues compiled from an existing database and feedback from community members. The discussions were geared towards finding effective solutions to not only the environmental challenges posed by the Sargassum Seaweed but also to address the need for infrastructural upgrades and enhanced support for public officers.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, who chaired the meeting, emphasized the importance of the SICC in ensuring that the Sister Islands are provided with the necessary support to overcome complex issues. "The Sister Islands and the issues they face are just as important as what we deal with on Tortola," Mrs.
DaBreo-Lettsome stated, highlighting the commitment of Senior Managers to serve every island and community within the Virgin Islands. Following the discussions, the Senior Managers conducted site visits to over five locations on Anegada that have raised concerns, including the new Solar Farm at BVI Electricity Corporation and the Auguste George International Airport, among others.
These visits allowed the officials to gain first-hand knowledge of the local concerns, enabling them to formulate more grounded responses. The meeting saw representation from various sectors, including the Premier’s Office, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, demonstrating a unified government effort to address the unique challenges faced by the Sister Islands.
Shirley Vanterpool, expressed her gratitude for the focus on Anegada, underscoring the significance of these meetings in bringing to light the concerns of the Sister Islands' residents. As the BVI government continues to prioritize the welfare and development of the Sister Islands, such meetings are critical in ensuring that these communities receive the attention and resources necessary to foster their growth and resolve prevailing issues.