It was on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, that the monster Category 5 Hurricane Irma struck the Virgin Islands (VI) during the daylight hours, causing widespread destruction, killing four people, and injuring more than a hundred. Photo: VINO

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has reflected on the progress of the Virgin Islands on the 9th anniversary of Hurricane Irma. Photo: GIS/File

Carrot Bay in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Photo: VINO

Hurricane Irma had ravaged the Virgin Islands on September 6, 2017, leaving four dead, and over a hundred injured. Photo: VINO/File

Sunday, September 6, 2026, marked 9 years since that tragic event that remains drilled in the memory of those who witnessed it.

“Our minds and hearts are still filled with the memories and stories of triumph and resilience that emerged following the devastation of Hurricane Irma on Wednesday, 6th September 2017,” Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) commented on September 7, 2026.

‘We thank God for how far we’ve come’- VI Premier

The eye of Hurricane Irma travelled over the three major islands in the group: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost van Dyke, resulting in significant damage exceeding the VI’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), causing widespread damage to the housing stock, road infrastructure, ports, telecommunications, electrical infrastructure, and critical facilities.

The VI’s recovery was mainly due to its own efforts since it was not able to take any major loans for recovery, due to the reported “trappings” of the Protocol for Effective Financial Management (PFEFM) designed by the United Kingdom (UK).

The UK offered the VI a £300m loan guarantee instead of a loan; however, this was rejected by successive governments since the UK refused to adjust borrowing guidelines in the PFEFM to allow the VI to take out a significant amount of loans without violating the protocols.

“Nine years later, we remember and thank God for how far we’ve come since that day.

“We knew then and know now that our greatest days are still ahead,” Premier Wheatley commented.