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Limited drinking water in some supermarkets throughout territory

- as demand increases in preparation for hurricane Irma
Some supermarkets have run low on bottled water as the Virgin Islands prepares for the impact of hurricane Irma. Photo: Internet Source
Residents seen shopping in Bobby's Supermarket yesterday, September 4, 2017 in preparation for hurricane Irma. Photo: VINO
Residents seen shopping in Bobby's Supermarket yesterday, September 4, 2017 in preparation for hurricane Irma. Photo: VINO
Irma is currently a category 4 hurricane and is forecast to hit the Virgin Islands on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Photo: News United
Irma is currently a category 4 hurricane and is forecast to hit the Virgin Islands on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Photo: News United
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - As the territory prepares for the impending hurricane Irma, residents throughout the territory were seen stocking up on emergency items.

In preparation for hurricane Irma, non-perishable food items, water, batteries and flashlights were popular among shoppers on Monday, September 4, 2017.

Limited water supply

Some of the major supermarkets such as Bobby’s and Riteway in Road Town were out of bottled water in cases but were expected to have late yesterday or by today, Tuesday September 5, 2017.

Speaking with a store attendant, who wished to remain anonymous, at the Riteway Food Market on Fleming street in Road Town, they stated that cases of water has been finished from Saturday September 2, 2017, adding that they brought more cases of water yesterday morning (Monday) and now they are completely finished.

At the time of the interview, persons were only able to purchase the one gallon bottles of water.

Not taking any chances

In an interview with Kimberly H. Martin, a customer, she commented that she has been preparing since the flash flood on August 7-8, 2017.

“I started to prepare from then because this flood in early August hit me like a ton of bricks and I lost most of my things because I was not prepared. I’m not taking any chances this time, even if the storm does not come. It’s better to be prepared than unprepared.”

Speaking with another customer, who was seen purchasing gallons of water and canned food items, he said he believes hurricane Irma will severely affect the territory, worse than the flash flood that took place in August 7-8, 2017.

“All we can do is pray right now because hurricane Irma is coming to mash us up badly. We can’t afford another devastation again, it’s too soon,” said the distraught customer.

Meanwhile, at Bobby’s Supermarket, cases of water were also finished but were expected to be available today, according to a store attendant at Bobby’s Supermarket, who was seen packing 1 gallon bottles of water on the shelves.

In an interview with a customer at Bobby’s Supermarket, who wished not to be named,  he said he is ready for the hurricane but admitted that he does not want it to hit the Virgin Islands because they cannot handle another one.

“Right now, the BVI is in a vulnerable state and we are just starting to recover. When hurricane Irma hits, we might just have to seek help from that UK ship after all,” said the concerned customer.

At One Mart Supermarket, water is said to be fully restocked with adequate among of supply, according to a supervisor.

Meanwhile, a number of businesses have been issuing notices of closure for tomorrow September 5, 2017, in addition to protecting personal properties.

Hurricane Irma is expected to hit the Virgin Islands on Wednesday September 6, 2017. The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) continues to urge everyone to monitor their local media stations and the DDM website for information as it becomes available.

9 Responses to “Limited drinking water in some supermarkets throughout territory”

  • church (05/09/2017, 09:07) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    God send help
  • StormPath (05/09/2017, 12:17) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Some business places, especially super markets, are inflating their prices on water and other product in time of a potential national crisis. This has to be illegal and morally wrong. Someone should look into this.
  • not so (05/09/2017, 22:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bobby's had water for $7.99 a case!!! So who inflating their water? Riteway water cheap. Who is it?
    You certain? I sure One Mark ain't doing that!
  • mo (06/09/2017, 03:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's a good thing that businesses are managing their limited water resources. If the water is more expensive, you get the amount you really need, instead of just buying off everything and other people being without water. This is healthy, moral and responsible.
  • Vote Gov Mapp OUT!!! (06/09/2017, 08:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    "Mapp wrote that the order was issued under authority of Title 23, Chapter 19,Virgin Islands Code, insisting it is necessary “to maintain the health, welfare, and safety of the people of the Virgin Islands.”

    The adjutant general is given the right to “take whatever actions she considers necessary to carry out the assigned missions.”

    The order provides for “payment for salaries, benefits, health insurance, worker’s compensation, necessary meals, fuel and other operational and administrative costs.”

    But there was no mention of compensation to gun owners"

    Why has Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp yesterday (Sept. 9th 2017) ordered the Adjutant General of the Virgin Island yesterday to seize arms, Ammunition, explosives, incendiary materials from the law abiding citizens? Explosives and incendiary materials I can understand but, their defense weapons? After a major disaster All your First Responders will be tied up helping those needing help and this will only leave them to fend for themselves against the criminal elements of society and you ordered that honest and Law-Abiding citizens be stripped of theirs right to defend themselves, their Family and Property.? You Mr. Mapp are what's called a treasonous traitor of the people who voted you into office. Those are the same who will see you out of office. Liberal Gun Grabbing SOB!!!!
  • Help (23/09/2017, 19:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I need to know where I can go to collect some of the ration that came from the UK.


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