Radio Amateur Operators in Anguilla used the observance of World Amateur Radio Day, on Sunday, April 18, to showcase the exciting past times, skills and opportunities provided to them by their global communication network.
Included in their boasts is the fact that for their communications to the far reaches of the world, they are able to bounce signals off the moon and into the receivers of their fellow amateur radio operators.
Further, and perhaps even more intriguing, is that whenever the International Space Station(ISS), orbiting the earth, is in an accessible location, they are remarkably able to communicate with the astronauts on board, using a small handset. Besides being at their controls and busily engaged in their chores, as they hurtle through space, some, or all the ISS crew members, are also Amateur Radio Operators.
President of the Anguilla Amateur Radio Society, Mr. Keithstone Greaves, took the opportunity of the presence of Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvarantnam, and Premier Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), to go in depth of his organisation:
“The Society was around since 1991 when it was originally founded. Larry Stott is one of the founding members, along with Dorothea Mann and a couple of other individuals who were involved from the start,” he stated.
demonstrating equipment
“Radio Amateur gear is extremely expensive, and we made a business case to the Government to allow certain concessionary rates for the equipment that we bring in. We play a vital role in hurricanes and other emergencies. In fact, we have an MOU with the Department of Disaster Management where, once the EOC, in which we are in now, is activated, the Hams will come in and operate the equipment.
“Those are some of the major things we have, apart from our training, which we provide to any person or persons in the community who has an interest in Amateur Radio. Worldwide, in terms of numbers, we have about three million Amateur Operators. As I said, in previous interviews, we have what we call Ham Radio Tourism where Hams would travel all over the world …to provide a vital amount of capital to the economies. They spend at least two to three weeks – and they pump a lot of money in the economies – travelling and operating in remote countries.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Greaves was grateful to the Government of Anguilla for permitting his Society to use the old Police Station, next to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for its operating headquarters. He said his Society planned to upgrade the building to make it a suitable place for the Amateur Radio operations. In the meantime, he disclosed that a request will be made to the Government for duty-free concessions on imported equipment.
Premier Webster, who is also Minister of Finance, promised to take the request into consideration, noting that the Amateur Radio Operators provide an important service to the people of Anguilla.
Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam expressed the view that despite social media, radio was providing a critical service: “Aside from it being a fascinating hobby, it inspires the next generation, I think, of that sort of global communication and network that we are taking for granted, these days, with social media and all of its advancements. But it still plays a critically important part for disaster management and planning. I wish you all heartiest congratulations in how this [World Amateur Radio Day] is being celebrated. I thank you also for the service that you provide – and let’s see how we can get more youngsters involved.”
The Governor added that last sentence as a very young boy, probably 10-12 years old, was at the celebration.
