The need for greater recognition of ham radio operators and their work in Anguilla is likely to be addressed to their satisfaction in due course, according to assurances from the Minister of Communications, Mr. Curtis Richardson.
The Minister gave the commitment while delivering an address to the Anguilla Amateur Radio Society in observance of World Amateur Radio Day on Monday, April 18.
“I think the time has come to seriously consider duty-free concessions for members who import ham radio equipment for use in the service of the country,” he said. “[This is] on condition that they have bona fide membership in the Anguilla Amateur Radio Society, are in good financial standing, and are committed to volunteering with the Emergency Operations Centre, Red Cross and other places when and where their service is required. I shall contemplate the issuance of Special ID cards, similar to drivers’ IDs, for ham radio operators sanctioned by the Ministry of Communications.”
Mr. Richardson said ham radio operators played a vital role in providing reliable communication, in the event of disasters especially when other modes of communication such as cellular phones, radio and television stations, were off the air. “From all accounts, the local radio society provides a critical link with the outside world,” he further stated. “It also contributes to the economy by continuously promoting our friendly and beautiful island, and encouraging other ham radio operators from other parts of the world to visit Anguilla.”
Governor Christina Scott, whose office has responsibility for disaster management, said that from her experience, in the United Kingdom, she had seen how important it was for networks, such as amateur ham radio, to exist; and for operators to give of their time, energy and passion to serve the community. “There are a lot of different types of information that needs urgent relay, and the role of ham radio operators in helping the emergency services by communicating messages to the public is really vital,” she added in thanking the Anguilla Amateur Radio Society for its work.
Earlier, Mr. Allister Richardson, a long-standing ham radio operator, who chaired the opening ceremony for World Amateur Radio Day, traced the founding of the International Amateur Radio Union in 1925 and its growth over the years. According to him, that union comprises over 160 member societies covering three regions of the world, and accounts for some three million licenced operators. He recalled that ham radio operations began in Anguilla in the 1970s with the involvement of a number of technically skilled persons and gradually took root mainly providing very useful hurricane information from the 1990s.
Mr. Richardson disclosed that just recently he was able to relay information between the Royal Anguilla Police Force and French Authorities in St. Martin about a fishing boat there which developed engine trouble and drifted some twelve miles northwest of Anguilla.
“While we stand ready to assist in times of emergency, it is important for all stakeholders to understand that, as a non-profit group, we are in need of your support so that we can continue offering our services and expertise to the wider community,” he added.
Mr. Keithstone Greaves, President of the Anguilla Amateur Radio Society, said World Amateur Radio Day was a time “when ham operators worldwide take to the airwaves to celebrate and highlight their contribution to the communities they serve.” He was pleased that the local ham radio society was still functioning well since its establishment in the mid-1970s. “While we have scores of persons registered as amateur radio operators, currently we have about fifteen active operators,” he told his listeners. “Our numbers are going up as more persons in our community become interested in the hobby and the very important service we provide to the island especially during disaster and emergency situations. The hurricane season is one such instance.”
Noting that a roundtable discussion was the main focus of World Amateur Radio Day in Anguilla, Mr. Greaves added: “We envisaged that coming out of this roundtable we will break some new ground including greater recognition of ham operators on the island, while at the same time cementing and deepening the linkages with our partners and stakeholders. We are proud of our service to country and the promotion of global friendship.”
