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‘We are not as prepared’ – Premier warns as 2019 Hurricane Season starts

- Hon Fahie says take extra precautions & be ready for the unexpected
With the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially beginning today, June 1, 2019, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has reiterated earlier calls from both the Governor of the Virgin Islands (VI) Augustus J. U. Jaspert aka ‘Gus’ and the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) for the people of the territory to get ready and prepared for the storms. Photo: GIS/Facebook
While encouraging the territory to get ready, Premier Andrew A. Fahie also noted that he is aware that several Virgin Islanders are,
While encouraging the territory to get ready, Premier Andrew A. Fahie also noted that he is aware that several Virgin Islanders are, "still in the process of rebuilding from the massive destruction sustained during the 2017 season,” he said recovery is an ongoing effort for the government as well. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – With the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially beginning today, June 1, 2019, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has reiterated earlier calls from both the Governor of the Virgin Islands (VI) Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert aka ‘Gus’ and the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) for the people of the territory to get ready and be prepared for the storms.

The premier made the call in a social media video release from the Government Information Service (GIS), today June 1, 2019, where he noted that together with God’s help, the nation will weather all storms coming ahead although the territory is not as prepared as he would like.

First season as Premier – Hon Fahie

“The 2019 Hurricane season will be the first hurricane season that I will meet head-on in my new role as Premier with my fellow government colleagues and you, the people of the Virgin Islands at my side,” he said in the Facebook video missive.

According to Hon Fahie, “I have taken this time to inform all members of the community, of the importance of knowing how to prepare each of these hazards... I strongly encourage individuals, families, businesses and marinas to take the time now to get prepared and remain watchful throughout the season.”

While encouraging the territory to get ready, the Premier also noted that he is aware that several Virgin Islanders are, "still in the process of rebuilding from the massive destruction sustained during the 2017 season,” he said recovery is an ongoing effort for the government as well.

Huge Progress Made since 2017

“Since taking office on February 26, 2019, we continue to make progress,” he said thought initiatives like the Housing Recovery Programme, financial grants, refurbishment of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) and other educational programmes such as the Smart School Guidelines.

In 2017, the territory was completely ravaged and destroyed by Hurricanes Irma and maria and according to the Premier, infrastructure development in areas of water, drainage and building repairs remains a top priority with a number of projects already being executed.

According to the Premier, “We are rebuilding with climate and natural hazard considerations as we anticipate that the effects from climate change will be long-lasting, and therefore, our efforts to achieve resiliency must be carefully integrated into new designs.” 

Further, the Premier says, “I speak for my colleagues and myself by stating, at this stage, we are not at the state of preparedness that we would like to be, but thank God we are not where we were,” in encouraging citizens to be ready for the unexpected.  

See full video message by clicking here.

20 Responses to “‘We are not as prepared’ – Premier warns as 2019 Hurricane Season starts ”

  • The Reaper (01/06/2019, 14:49) Like (11) Dislike (34) Reply
    But u prepared Bodyguard
  • Blindsided.. (01/06/2019, 15:00) Like (25) Dislike (44) Reply
    No we are not. We re too busy dealing with this Immigration conundrum that you created. Take it off the Table. What is the rush.
    • @ Blinsided (01/06/2019, 15:25) Like (45) Dislike (24) Reply
      Hell no you crazy if they take it off I will never again VOTE VIP. its a good bill go forward ever, backwards never
      • Strups (01/06/2019, 15:42) Like (24) Dislike (11) Reply
        And you cant even vote.
        • @ Strups (01/06/2019, 16:20) Like (27) Dislike (6) Reply
          I got my belongers from VIP 1995 so hush
          • smdh (01/06/2019, 18:24) Like (15) Dislike (8) Reply
            ...and now you trying to dictate how we should run our country. That right there is the problem. It needs to end.
            • lettsome (01/06/2019, 20:23) Like (14) Dislike (12) Reply
              Thanks smdh you could not have said it any better.
              These persons are very greedy human beings ..they came to work...they stayed...now they want to dictate how to run the BVI to suit them! The mannerism of these persons is very alarming its unbelievable!
    • @blindsided (01/06/2019, 18:45) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
      It was a rush when all these Caribbean islands come together and work together to restore our electricity power after Irma but the light is on and now you can see a table hurricane season is here we need to be prepared
      • Blindsided (01/06/2019, 20:37) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
        Oh please. We have done the same for others. And their citizens have been living off us for decades. Give it a rest. This is our country. You have yours. where is the problem.
  • ... (01/06/2019, 15:26) Like (21) Dislike (6) Reply
    thanks premier on getting us ready, we never heard a word from Mr. ZZZZZZZZ for 8 years on this topic
  • Picko (01/06/2019, 15:43) Like (29) Dislike (8) Reply
    Thank god for a Premier who tells the truth. Dr zzzz would say we prepared leading you straight in the disaster. Couldn’t get an honest word out of that man.
    • voter (01/06/2019, 16:17) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
      Please take that cool aide glass from your mouth before you drink all!!!
  • lodger (01/06/2019, 16:25) Like (29) Dislike (10) Reply
    Mr Fahie is a God sent for the BVI, only he can unite the BVI, NDP had nether the will or credibility to do this. God is looking on high God bless Fahie, the VIP and the BVI
    • @lodger (01/06/2019, 17:28) Like (8) Dislike (18) Reply
      Be careful that you are not telling lies on God.
    • Ash (01/06/2019, 23:40) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply

      NDP turn them back on the people. Them did too high and mighty. Now the disgruntled cronies kicking up a storm. Oh sorry this about a real storm. Same sh*t.

  • DON Q (01/06/2019, 18:28) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    We salute our Premier
  • NICK (02/06/2019, 07:48) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    with all the people praying on this island, we should be safe.
  • Sam (06/06/2019, 21:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    No island on earth save


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