LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES CONFERENCE ON “COASTAL PROTECTION,
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND HEIGHT MODERNIZATION THROUGOUT THE CARIBBEAN”
Lieutenant Governor Vargrave Richards announces that his office, in partnership
with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA/National
Geodetic Survey (NGS)) will host a conference on issues and concerns relative
to “Coastal Protection, Infrastructure Development and Height Modernization
throughout the Caribbean” scheduled for March 2nd and 3rd, 2005,
at the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Resort on St. Thomas.
“Presentations at this important conference will be led by NOAA,
FEMA (NY & PR) officials, as well as by experts from the University
of the Virgin Islands and the BVI. Sessions will focus on topics ranging
from GIS Coordination; Height Modernization; Global Positioning Systems
(GPS); Remote Sensing; DATUMS; and other technical areas relevant to implementing
proactive mapping and sensory strategies to address natural disasters
and other environmental concerns,” Lieutenant Governor Richards
stated.
Additionally, Lieutenant Governor Richards states that: “As global
and environmental shifts and changes occur, the conference is timely and
critical, especially in light of the recent Tsunami disaster. Technical
knowledge and practical best practices presently employed nation-wide
will assist the Virgin Islands and neighboring Caribbean islands to address
infrastructure development and geospatial improvement to afford better
planning in vital areas such as comprehensive land and water use plans;
real estate development; transportation; hazard mitigation; tourism; and
overall economic development throughout the Caribbean.”
NOAA-NGS Director Charlie Challstrom states: “This conference will
foster a partnership in mapping and surveying Caribbean shorelines for
improved safety and development. In light of the recent catastrophic Tsunami,
having a good, sound system to monitor changes in coastal shorelines,
water height and other key areas of geography in place can serve as a
warning of an impeding natural disaster, which is critical to survival.”
In concluding, the Lieutenant Governor states: “I am pleased to
be able to work in partnership with NOAA to drive these improvements to
the Territory’s geodetic framework and to facilitate discussion
regarding ‘leveling’ requirements. The GIS System presently
under my supervision in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor is also
poised to undertake improvements necessary to coordinate technical areas
to facilitate vital information sharing and gathering. I am excited about
this conference and invite professionals in various relevant fields to
participate.”
Information regarding the conference can be viewed at www.ltg.gov.vi.
Click on the GIS Conference link or call 774-2991.
