B.V.I. Monday, April 6 – Officials from the Ministry of Communications and Works and the BVI Airports Authority held a ceremony to commission the new Striker 1500 Rapid Intervention Vehicle on Friday, April 3.
“I am impressed by the way that the BVI Airports Authority continues to be on the cutting edge.” stated Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Julian Fraser, RA, who shared remarks at the ceremony.
“The Striker 1500 is the single most expensive equipment bought by the airport,” according to Managing Director, Mr. Denniston Fraser. He said the need for an additional fire appliance came after the BVI Airports Authority acquired the Virgin Gorda Airport and had to deploy an appliance to Virgin Gorda. The deployment of the response appliance created a need at Beef Island which subsequently resulted in the acquisition of the Striker 1500 to ensure compliance with airport regulations.
According to Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Anthony Lewis “the Striker 1500 is unique, fast, sleek and has added features like a full generator and telescopic lights and an automated easy to handle cylinder.”
The response vehicle was bought from Osh Kosh Corporation and a representative from the company visited the Territory last week to train the fire officers on the use of the Striker.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Dean Miere stated that the BVIAA has “a really good professional group of fire-fighters; they know what they are doing.” As part of the ceremony the fire-fighters were awarded certificates for completing the one-week training session.
Mr. Fraser thanked the Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Anthony Lewis for his vision and all of the fire-fighters for their role and admonished them to take care of the vehicle.
Following the ceremony the minister and members of the press were given a tour of the Striker 1500 and had a chance to see the vehicle in action through a demonstration by the fire-fighters.
The BVI Airports Authority seeks to develop and maintain world class airports which provide safe and efficient gateways to the world and entrances to the Virgin Islands.
British Virgin Islands News