BVI receives grant, expert help from CARBICA

CARBICA representative Valérie Martens-Monier. (Photo provided)

The British Virgin Islands is set to benefit from a grant and the expertise of the Caribbean Branch of the International Council on Archives (CARBICA) for six days.

A government media release said CARBICA representative and Head of Conservation at Curacao National Archives, Valérie Martens-Monier will visit the territory from April 14 until 20.

The purpose of the paper conservator’s visit is to survey the damage to buildings and records collections of the Deputy Governor’s Archives and Records Management Unit.

She will then conduct a needs assessment based on her findings.

Martens-Monier’s report will also act as an advocacy document for improved recordkeeping and preservation systems.

According to the BVI’s Chief Records Management Officer Christopher Varlack, Martens-Monier’s visit is the CARBICA’s way of assisting the territory following the hurricanes.

“After ongoing discussions, CARBICA saw fit to award us a small grant to help with our recovery efforts and to have Martens-Monier visit to afford us the benefit of her years of experience as a professional conservator.”

Itinerary 

During her visit, Martens-Monier is scheduled to meet with collection caretakers and make recommendations about the ongoing stabilization of damaged collections.

The official is also scheduled to hold talks with public servants on salvaging and the recovery of government records.

Importantly, Martens-Monier will be meeting with members of the Department of Disaster Management to discuss ways that cultural assets may be included in national and regional disaster plans going forward.

Additionally, she will pay a courtesy call at the Deputy Governor’s Office and interact with other public officers on Tortola and the sister islands.

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