Roadtown, Tortola - Government is appealing to residents to think seriously about the potential dangers of the increased use of trailers for office space in the Territory.

Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Mrs. Rosalie Adams made the appeal against the backdrop of the increased number of requests for permission to import trailers.

She was speaking during a GIS Radio Report as part of the educational awareness programme of the Public Information and Education (PIE) Sub-committee of the National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) which is focusing this month on heightening public awareness about protecting property and recovery efforts.

Mrs. Adams revealed that Government is taking steps to ensure that the “Town and Country Planning Department is more actively involved in the location of trailers so that they can be properly stabilised and do not become missiles in the event of disasters.”

Additionally, there are health and safety concerns associated with the use of trailers. Mrs. Adams said “the Town and Country Planning Department along with the Building Authority must also assist with ensuring that the space allocation within trailers is suitable to accommodate the users of those facilities.”

The Permanent Secretary also noted that “adequate ventilation and proper sewerage disposal must be appropriately established.”

She appealed for the understanding and cooperation of the public. “We are finding that there are more and more requests to have trailers used for various purposes in the BVI. While we understand that it is an easy way to get an office up, we want people to recognise the damage it can cause during a disaster and unless it is really necessary and essential, we are asking that people refrain from making the request to bring trailers in,” she stated.

According to the Permanent Secretary, “the goal is not to impede the development of businesses in the Territory but we want to ensure that we approach such development in a sustainable manner and one that would not jeopardise others in the event of a disaster.”

Mrs. Adams further stated that “It must be absolutely clear that persons wishing to import trailers must seek the necessary permission prior to sourcing the trailers and not when they are already en route to the Territory or sitting on the port awaiting clearance.”

In addition to permission to import, Mrs. Adams said “approval must also be sought from the relevant Government agencies such as Town and Country Planning Department for approval of the proposed use and site location; the Building Authority to ensure that measures are in place to properly secure the trailer; and the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs if the facility will be used to a conduct business.”

Under Chapter 288 of The Laws of the Virgin Islands, Revised Edition, 1991, there are restrictions on the importation of caravans, the category under which trailers will be included. These restrictions will apply unless licence is granted by the Supply Officer, who in this case is the Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office.