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Damages by Irma a 'misrepresentation' of VI’s building standards- Hon Fraser

- said territory had simply failed to prepare adequately for magnitude of Irma’s strike
A home on Tortola that was gutted by Hurricane Irma in September 2016. Photo: VINO/File
According to Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), the level of damage done by Irma 'was a misrepresentation of the true capabilities of the territory’s buildings construction standards.' Photo: GIS
According to Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), the level of damage done by Irma 'was a misrepresentation of the true capabilities of the territory’s buildings construction standards.' Photo: GIS
Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Following extensive damages to homes by Category 5 Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017, the Virgin Islands government at the time almost immediately stated the territory’s building codes were going to be reviewed.

“We have to take lessons from what has happened, certainly with Irma and review our building codes. We have lost and received damage to about 70 percent of our buildings, and that now gives us an opportunity to build smarter and stronger,” then Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith had stated in September 2017.

But, according to Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), the level of damage done by Irma “was a misrepresentation of the true capabilities of the territory’s buildings construction standards.”

‘Territory failed to prepare adequately’- Hon Fraser

“My takeaway from these events is that the territory failed to prepare adequately for the magnitude of Irma’s strike, and that the level of damage done was a misrepresentation of the true capabilities of the territory’s buildings construction standards.

“Essentially, we lost roofs because windows were either blown out by wind, or by flying objects. And those windows were lost because they simply weren’t protected. There should never be a next time,” Hon Fraser stated in his ‘reflection’ on the 5th anniversary of Irma on September 6, 2022.

Hon Fraser also said that those who have experienced the wrath of Hurricane Irma have been horrified to the point where it remains without question the most memorable moments of their lives.

“And while for the time being, there are still physical scars on the landscape as traces of its presence, there is no doubt that in time they will at some point go away, but the emotional and psychological damage will forever be a part of us,” Hon Fraser stated.

14 Responses to “Damages by Irma a 'misrepresentation' of VI’s building standards- Hon Fraser”

  • I CAN ???? (11/09/2022, 15:23) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    WHEN SMITH WAS THERE YOU SAID NOTHING / WHEN YOUR YOUR BUDDY SAINT ANDREW WAS THERE YOU KEPT QUIET LOOKS LIKE YOU FINALLY WAKE UP ????/ HEY WE ARE GOING FORWARD , STOP DWELLING IN THE PAST
  • ... (11/09/2022, 15:55) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fraser gone quiet
  • Reality check (11/09/2022, 16:03) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply

    This fossil is delusional if he thinks that his constituents adhered to any standards. You have only to look at the still wreaked buildings littering the third district to understand how poorly built they were. Did this representative council building standards, or just made sure the inspectors turned a blind eye?? Fraser only helps when it helps him. Can’t wait for the audit of the development plan 7 million.

  • Earthquake (11/09/2022, 16:05) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    God forbid,but, if a 6.5 or 7.5 earthquake were to rattle the V.I . And we receive major major damage, I wonder what will be his remarks.!!
  • MuTUMBO (11/09/2022, 18:18) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    HERE'S SOMETHING THATS HAPPENING NOW
    , SO OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND SAY SOMETHING POSITIVE ABOUT THAT
    SITUATION IN YOUR DISTRICT , IF YOU ARE AWARE
    • Gambler (11/09/2022, 19:39) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      My bet he has no clue, best fill us all in on this “something” you on about. BVI building standards are , you get what you pay for, unenforced and well below a developing country standards.
  • annudda2cents (11/09/2022, 18:35) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    No amount of preparation would've prevented the damage caused. Concrete beams and columns were ripped off, and concrete walls were knocked down. Remember that.
  • W*F (11/09/2022, 18:58) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Fraser what the hell can anyone prepare to withstand 200mph winds? You live in a valley in a fortress so did not feel the full wrath.
  • Tobacco Road (12/09/2022, 06:35) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fail to prepare? Houses were already built ten, twenty + years before Irma. Geese
  • hmmm (12/09/2022, 07:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is Fraser a qualified engineer or architect to make such claims? That said, the standards of construction here are not exactly top shelf given the tendency to cut corners. There is no building permit system or enforcement thereof. People build what they want and charge as much as possible for it. A neigbour’s concrete beam that collapsed during Irma had no steel in it. Roofs that blew off were not properly secured. etc etc
    • Housebuilder (12/09/2022, 14:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      My house got blown down in Irma. I just completed re-building. There most certainly is a building permit system and there were regular inspections by the Building Control team during the construction period. The process of TCP and Building Control was vigorous.
    • Since you asked... (12/09/2022, 16:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hon. Fraser has studied architecture in the state of New York (several schools), and was at one time a registered architect in the state of New York and a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Someone else may wish to chime in on his experience working WITHIN the territory (e.g., Public Works, Ministry of Communication and Works), but information about his registration is publicly available (and searchable) online. AIA's members directories are searchable, as is the Office of the Professions of New York State (NYS) which keeps the register of architects for that state (http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/arch/). Hope this helps.
  • WEW (14/09/2022, 11:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What’s the use of building codes if there’s no one qualified or wanted to do inspections ?
  • strupesss (15/09/2022, 15:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Someone try go sponsor da man ah haircut please. tired of seeing it


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