Official Relief Update from Governor of the Virgin Islands

The Governor of the Virgin Islands, Augustus Jaspert, issued this official relief update today after the effects of Hurricane Irma.

People of the Virgin Islands, the Premier, I, the entire Cabinet and your district representatives continue to work hard to get aid to all, ensure security for the people of the BVI, and fast track our overall response and recovery efforts.

The Foreign Secretary of the UK Boris Johnson was in the Territory yesterday to see first-hand the damage caused, and what needs to be done to help these communities.

Along with the Premier, we agreed that security and distribution of aid were priorities.

Extra money has been provided for recovery by the UK yesterday, to help with the ongoing relief efforts for which people here are working tirelessly.

Control of security for you continues to strengthen, with additional forces coming from the UK and other countries in the region.

A curfew is still in effect from 6:00 pm to 9:00 am, and we ask residents to adhere to this. At all times, please stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary to enable clear passages for those working to restore utilities, clear roads and deliver aid. We are asking that the public does what they can cooperate.

Engines at the BVI Electricity Cooperation’s Henry Wilfred ‘Freddie’ Smith Power Station have been fueled and started. Power has been restored to Peebles Hospital, Wickham’s Cay and Road Town. This is significant, but such progress must continue.

New generators have been purchased for the pump station to enable water plants to distribute clean water as soon as possible. Once water distribution systems are operational, measures will be implemented for controled usage.

Ports are opened to receive food and supplies. We are hoping to open the airport to commercial flights very soon.

All layers of government including finance, administration and judiciary are being restored. I am extremely grateful for the hard work of public servants and encourage others to continue to report to work.

We are seeing further progress for the people, with banks and supermarkets beginning to open.

I will be getting out to see communities as much as possible, and have seen already the strength of communities in Anegada, Virgin Gorda and the east end. There is a community meeting today at Brewer’s Bay, 3pm. I will be there with the 2nd district representative, and I hope to see many of you in the area. I plan to be in Jost van Dyke tomorrow, Friday.

The people of the Virgin Islands are resilient. It is commendable to see communities and volunteers working together, especially on the sister islands. It is important to keep those spirits up, and stay together. Stay strong, stay resilient and stay united.

May God bless this Territory.