Due to the expected passing of Tropical Storm Erika, Government offices will be closed tomorrow, Thursday August 27, 2015. Photo: VINO

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College will also be closed, according to President Dr Karl Dawson.

See statement below from Acting Governor Mrs V. Inez Archibald on closure of Gov't offices

Residents of The Virgin Islands, after consultation with the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) I hereby advise that Government offices will not open on Thursday, 27th August. The NEOC’s advice is based on an analysis of the various forecasting models. If Tropical Storm Erika maintains its current strength and track, it is expected to affect the BVI from Thursday morning.

As there continues to be some level of uncertainty with the strength of the system, and in the interest of public safety, let us err on the side of caution. Neighbouring islands which also face the threat of Erika have taken a similar decision to safeguard life and property.

I believe that the private sector will also take the necessary actions to protect staff.

I trust that residents have already heeded the call to engage in the necessary preparedness actions and are using the remaining hours to secure any loose items that may be around their property.

I encourage those of you who are caring for the elderly and young children to take some time to talk with them about what is happening with the system, and try to put them at ease.

Personal safety is of paramount importance; so I take this opportunity to remind non-essential personnel to remain off the streets during the passage of the system and immediately after, to allow the emergency services to carry out the necessary response and rehabilitation activities.

We will continue to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Erika. If there are any significant changes in the forecasts overnight, I will issue a further statement early on Thursday morning to allow sufficient time for any decisions which might have to be made.

Let us bunker down then, and ride out this system together, and let us also pray that the system will pass us with little or no effect and that we will be in a position to resume operations swiftly.

God bless us all and thank you.