The Radio Relay International Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Jorge Rivera to the position of Puerto Rico Communications Manager.
Mr. Rivera (licensed as NP4ZB) has an outstand background in emergency communications having been affiliated with U.S. Army MARS and the Federal SHARES program, in addition to his on-going work with the American Red Cross, National Weather Service and other local agencies.
During the coming months, Radio Relay International will be working closely with Mr. Rivera to enhance communications assets on the island. Priorities will include significant enhancements to local digital communications networks, improved training for volunteers, and enhanced coordination with allied organizations, including local ARRL appointees.
One of the first projects will be the installation of hardened digital repeaters (digipeaters) provided through a gift from Signal and Communications Associates, LLC, a consulting engineering firm in Michigan specializing in rail and transportation signal and communications projects. Meanwhile, RRI will continue its ongoing process of translating operational documents, forms, and training materials to Spanish for use by local radio amateurs.
“Our goal is to have an enhanced emergency communications capability available by no later than May, 2025” said James Wades of Radio Relay International. “The people of Puerto Rico are American citizens who deserve our support,” he added.
Radio Relay International will also continue its ongoing efforts to aid Puerto Rico through its survivable, International “Digital Traffic Network,” as well as via its “Priority Entry Point” process and RRI-Winlink gateway system developed in cooperation with the Winlink Development Team.
“When another situation such as Hurricane Maria occurs, both RRI and the radio amateurs of Puerto Rico intended to be prepared,” said Mr. Wades.