A roof of a wooden structure in Carrot Bay is taken off by winds of Hurricane Dorian. Photo: VINO

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1). Photo: VINO/File

Flooding was reported in Port Purcell, Tortola amongst other areas and buildings damaged include the One-Stop Mall owned by Patsy C. Lake. Photo: Team of Reporters

“Hurricane Dorian is behind us now. Thanks be to God that we have had no reports of loss of lives, serious injuries, major property damage, crimes or problems in relation to businesses being compromised,” Premier Fahie said in a statement released last evening August 28, 2019.

Major Flooding

“We did, however, experience some major flooding on the outskirts of Road Town with some damage to buildings reported and debris on some roads in those areas.”

Flooding was reported in Port Purcell as well as Sea Cows Bay in Tortola, amongst other areas, and buildings damaged included the One-Stop Mall owned by Mrs Patsy C. Lake.

The Premier said the Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) and his team at the Ministry will continue to address flooding in hotspot areas.

“I am optimistic that the preventative work that your government has been doing over the past few weeks to clean and clear ghuts and other major watercourses of debris would have helped to reduce the impact of the heavy rains on vulnerable areas. We will continue to do this throughout the territory,” he said.

Sudden Turn of Events

The Premier also expressed pleasure in the conduct of Virgin Islanders during the passage of Hurricane Dorian, for coming together to prepare homes, offices and businesses given the sudden turn of events where the storm upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane.

“Those of you who were monitoring the advisories would recall that we were not expecting the storm to track near enough to the territory to have a major impact. However, late yesterday evening, it was discovered that Dorian had moved further northward than forecasted and was 60 miles closer to the BVI, placing the centre just south of Tortola.”

He thanked the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) for keeping the territory well informed as well as first responders and other employees in the public service and statutory agencies who mobilised and worked tirelessly to ensure that the needs of the territory were met.

“We must be ever mindful that we are not out of the hurricane season. So, we must remain, as our Vigilate indicates, watchful, and we must continue to be ready and stay ready during this most active time of the year,” Premier Fahie said.