BVI News

GIS inks deal with telecoms company for TV station launch

The Government Information Service (GIS) will be launching a television station and has inked a deal with one local telecommunications company for broadcasting purposes.

This is according to Director of Communications Arliene Penn who said engagements have been had with the other telecoms companies “to ensure that once GIS goes live, it will be available to all service providers”.

Penn, who gave that indication while appearing before the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) recently, said the broadcasts would run simultaneously.

However, the Communications Director said her department was unable to come to an agreement with another provider as they offer a similar service for free and “government cannot accept it for free as there must be a nominal fee”.

“She (Penn) stated that it is still in process and on stream and would have to revisit the other service providers,” an excerpt from the 2023 SFC report stated.

As for the timeline for the launch of the TV station, the SFC was told that GIS is still awaiting fibre cables as part of the process. The SFC — which is a committee of local lawmakers — was further told that the initiative will move forward “once the technical issues are worked out by the service provider”.

In the meantime, Penn said information has been sent out to recruit persons who have knowledge and passion for visual, social media, and broadcast communications.

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17 Comments

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  1. WOW says:

    This is a good idea. It must be applauded.

    Like 10
    Dislike 4
  2. Okay now says:

    By time. I didn’t know the director of Communications still existed.

  3. Excited says:

    The Director of Communications has come up with a terrific idea. Kudos.

    Like 6
    Dislike 2
  4. Bystander says:

    Positive move by the government.

    Like 6
    Dislike 2
  5. Here we go again says:

    A good talker. What really the Director of Communications does? Most people are asking. It sounds like this is a pie in the sky idea that will not happen any time soon.

    Like 5
    Dislike 1
  6. Lol says:

    The sign in the picture says please stand by. From the sound of it we will be asked to please stand by for years.

  7. Loooool says:

    Is this why someone is accused of bombarding trade department for trade license for side portions.

    This is not happening full stop

    Like 3
    Dislike 2
  8. Proud says:

    Arlene is a very bright young lady. This idea shows her brilliance and ability to be proactive and productive. Let us applaud her and support her in this initiative of hers where the BVI will benefit from tremendously.

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  9. On a final note says:

    Mrs Penn,

    the premier already said that local not interested and are not qualified. Look at the press conference for January 6 , 2023.

    “”Penn said information has been SENT OUT to recruit persons who have knowledge and passion for visual, social media, and broadcast communications.” This means he wants to bring in who he want to bring in and hire who he wants to hire.

    Please keep yourself from this because you do not want to get mix up in the drama that is about to unfold, I BEG you do not participate in what will happened tif this nonsense continues

    Like 2
    Dislike 4
  10. The action lady. says:

    Wants something done give it to Arlene

    Like 2
    Dislike 2
  11. wake up says:

    gov tv station:
    Propoganda
    this is bllsht
    get 1st world sewer water power b4 blowing more idiot banana republic spending like this.
    stop making mockery of your bosses
    the citizens of BVI

    Like 7
    Dislike 2
  12. WEW says:

    Can’t give a when. Imagine that. Check back in 2024, hopefully by then HOA will be dissolved.

  13. hmm says:

    If I know my BVI this channel gonna be government propaganda more so than key source of information but lets hope i’m wrong.

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  14. 1st district original says:

    Thats where them controversial news drop outs going to work after the same GIS posted the ad for 2secounds

  15. Rubber Duck says:

    The Government should not own the media.

    Are you crazy?

    Thats for Dictatorships and one party states.

    oh , hang on…..

  16. Disappointment says:

    I am so disappointed with Arlene. She does absolutely nothing as the Director of Communications and has not made any forward movement with communications in the BVI. …

  17. @Rubber Duck says:

    WTF is it with you and this rubber duck?? What does that mean exactly?

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