Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL) has been under fire for refusing disaster relief assistance from a United Kingdom navy ship and for subsequently cancelling two cruise ships calls to the Territory. Photo: VINO

A damaged patch of road on Joe's Hill, Tortola due to the tropical wave of August 7, 2017. Photo: VINO/File

Premier Smith has been under fire for refusing disaster relief assistance from a United Kingdom navy ship and for subsequently cancelling two cruise ships calls to the Territory

Speaking at the Swearing-in Ceremony for Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert at the Virgin Islands Supreme Court in Road Town on August 22, 2017, Premier Smith said, “The BVI has demonstrated great resilience over the last two weeks. Your Excellency, I also wish to thank Her Majesty’s Government for their offers of support and I look forward to discussing with you how the UK can best assist the Territory moving forward.”

The Premier stated that the territory is currently completing damage assessment to ascertain the full extent of the damage caused by the tropical wave.

“I thank God that there was no loss of life and I thank everyone who stepped up to assist in the clean-up and relief efforts.”

Looking forward to working with Governor…

Premier Smith advised the Governor that the Virgin Islands is still in its hurricane season and more storms are ahead but noted that he will work together with the Governor’s Office in an effort to better prepare the territory.

“Your arrival comes in the early months of the hurricane season. This is a particularly active year and we will likely see more storms and rains ahead. I hope neither will be as severe as the Tropical Wave of August 7, 2017, but we must be prepared. I look forward to working with you in our respective capacities to keep the Territory in a high state of preparedness for the remainder of the hurricane season,” emphasised Hon Smith.

The Minister of Finance pointed out that after the Governor toured the territory, he hopes that he sees the resilience of the Virgin Islands and the efficiency of the Government.

“The recovery has progressed successfully with the combined efforts of our government agencies, the participation of our citizens in the clean-up of their communities, and humanitarian work of the churches and non-profit organisations in the relief effort.

“The Government and private sector will have to move quickly to put the economy back on track, as there is no doubt that the damage caused by flooding and mudslides has caused disruption to business. Affected businesses will take time to recover but we will work together as a people to ensure that we revert quickly to a state of normalcy and prosperity.”

In closing, the Premier encouraged the Governor to explore the territory and commented that the Governor will make a valuable contribution to the territory’s growth and development.