TCI: Mark Wilkinson appointed as Radio Communications & Telecommunications Specialist

#Providenciales, March 20, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Mr. Mark Wilkinson has been appointed as the Radio Communications & Telecommunications Specialist at the Department of Disaster Management & Emergencies within the Turks & Caicos Islands Government.

Mark is a graduate of the Art Williams Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School, where he studied Aeronautical Engineering and specialized in Avionics Engineering, which comprises of Radio Communications, Radars, Compasses & Navigational Instruments.

Mark, is the holder of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers License issued by TCI Civil Aviation Authority & Guyana Civil Aviation Authority in accordance with the UK Air Navigation Order (OT) 2007 & British Civil Aviation Requirements, Section L of the UK Air Navigation Order 2001 Requirements. As a Licensed Aircraft & Avionics Engineer, he started at the Guyana Defense Force Air Corps Division where he certifies Aircraft Radio Communications systems and Military Radio Communications.

Mark was previously employed by the Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority from 2008-2017 in the capacity of Executive Engineering & Maintenance Manager where he was responsible for the Maintenance & Operations of all Telecommunications, Radio Communications, Navigational & Meteorological Systems for the TCIAA. In addition to his aviation and telecommunications background, Mark also has training in Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN) system, Mass Evacuation & Emergency Voice Evac Systems, Hurrtrak Hurricane Tracker & Weather System and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Business Continuity Planning.

Mr. Wilkinson’s appointment took effect on the 1^st March 2019, where he is responsible for the design and implementation of a robust Emergency Radio & Telecommunication system for the Turks & Caicos Islands. Mr. Wilkinson will work with the DDME Team, Government Departments and Stakeholders to develop and maintain Emergency Communication systems throughout the islands.

Commenting on the appointment Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Anya Williams said;  “As communication is one of the most important factors in the response both during and after a disaster, our aim is to ensure that the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies is not only equipped with the right communication experts and skills, but also the necessary tools and equipment that would allow us to appropriately carry out our duties.  The loss of communication on the islands of Grand Turk and South Caicos for an extended period after Irma demonstrated our vulnerabilities in this area and the need to ensure that alternative communication systems are put in place.  We are happy to have Mr. Wilkinson join our team in DDME and hope that he can assist us in improving our communication systems and response.”

When asked about his appointment, Mr. Wilkinson, said; “I am excited to be a part of this team and certainly looking forward to making a difference by developing our emergency communication systems throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands.”

Press Release: TCIG