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Last Updated: Jan 29th, 2009 - 10:19:35 |
Tortola, BVI, January 26, 2009 (DDM) – Approximately 70 persons from the private and public sectors convened a the H. Lavity Soutt Community College’s Auditorium last week Friday and Saturday to participate in the first of 3 workshops geared towards professionals in the development industry. The workshop entitled “Seismic Hazards and Designs” focused on Introduction to the Building Code Requirements, BVI Seismic Network, Seismic Design, Tsunami Warning System and BVI Seismic Data.
His Excellency the Governor, David Pearey, in his opening remarks echoed the importance of the workshop and said that he was delighted to see so many experts present. The Governor went on to point out that “as development increases so does our risk to natural hazards.” “Our economy is heavily dependent on our built environment and one of the aims of these workshops, which were funded by the Foreign Common Wealth Office, is to ensure that Government invests into persons who are trained.” Governor Pearey also explained that the series of workshops originated out of the need to inform professionals about what hazard data is available to the public and how the data can be used.
The workshop was facilitated by 2 local and 4 regional experts. Dr. James Joyce, a Professor of Engineering and Structural Geology, presented on seismic hazard and regional vulnerability. Mrs. Christa Von-Hillerbrandt Andrade, Associate Researcher and Director of the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, spoke about earthquake and tsunami information and the warning service that the PRSN provides to the BVI. Local Architect, Mr. Greg Adams, reviewed the current BVI building code and information relevant to seismic criteria for design. Acting Director of Public Works, Dr. Drexel Glasgow, gave an overview of the current process of building review and building applications and Dr. Jose Martinez, who is a Professor of Earthquake Resistant Design with the University of Puerto Rico, presented on seismic instrumentation and soil types as it relates to seismic design.
Saturday’s proceedings dealt with the Quantitative Risk Assessment Project (QRAP) Dr. Juan Virella, a Civil and Structural Engineer Professor with the Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying at the University of Puerto Rico presented on the general results of the seismic assessments that was done as a part of the QRAP on all public buildings in the Territory and made recommendations for retrofitting.
The feedback from participants indicated that the workshop was very beneficial, educational and informative; however many persons felt that there should have been more representation from the private sector, as the information was critical to the role they play in development.
The second workshop, entitled Impact Assessment and Hazard Vulnerabilities is scheduled for February 18th-20th and will focus on impact assessment, quantitative risk assessments, analysis of alternatives and more. Interested persons can contact the DDM at 468-4200 to register.
The Training for Professionals Workshops are a series of 3 workshops geared towards persons in the development industry with the purpose of improving planning, design and development of safe construction methods to promote and achieve sustainable development.
Contact:
Natasha Lettsome, Information & Training Manager
Department of Disaster Management
#3 Wailing Road MacNamara
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Phone: 284-468-4200
Fax: 284-494-2024
E-Mail: bviddm@surfbvi.com, NLettsome@gov.vg
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