Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has highlighted the resilience of the Virgin Islands people on the 4th anniversary of the catastrophic Hurricane Irma today, September 6, 2021. Photo: VINO/GIS/File

A satellite view of the monster Huricane Irma over the Virgin Islands on September 6, 2017. Photo: Wikimedia

The monster Hurricane Irma of September 6, 2017, left four dead and over 3 billion US Dollars in damages in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File.

The Elmore Stoutt High School L–shaped building and other school buildings destroyed by the hurricanes of 2017 were finally repaired when the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government took office in February 2019. Photo: VINO/File

The monster hurricane left four dead and over 3 billion US Dollars in damages.

Irma could not destroy that 'indomitable spirit'- Premier

With no significant help from the United Kingdom (UK) the British Overseas Territory began to recover steadily admidst the many other challenges that would come its way, proving once again that the resilient spirit of the Virgin Islands people is ever-present and vibrant.

This resilience was highlighted by Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) on the anniversary of Irma today.

“The catastrophic Category 5 hurricane devastated our homes, personal possessions, livestock, businesses and jobs, our economy, but it did not destroy our most important quality—our resilience; that indomitable spirit that pervades our DNA, which was passed to us by our foreparents.

“Imagine, this disaster came on the heels of the August floods that disrupted our Emancipation activities. And then, when we thought things could get no worse, two weeks later, Maria, another catastrophic Category 5 hurricane came. This too did not destroy our most important quality—our resilience. Our spirit was not broken,” Hon Fahie wrote on his Facebook page.

Faith tested but resolve strengthened

He said while the experience of Hurricane Irma was traumatising for the Virgin Islands as a people, the fact is that during this difficult moment in time, the same events that shook their faith also strengthened their resolve.

“For through it all, and this still remains the same today, GOD is with us!

During these times, we were reminded that we have strengths that we often forget, and that we are stronger together. The devastation challenged our Faith to keep trust in God that better days were ahead.

“Today, we continue to rebuild for the saying is true that it takes years to build a reputation and one second to destroy it. People of the Virgin Islands you did not let the hurricanes keep us down. Using what we had in our hands, just as our people have done for generations upon generations, we took charge of ensuring our recovery – and we have achieved significant progress.”

The premier said the VI will continue to maintain its position and will continue to ensure that iron sharpens iron.

“Let us continue to lift our Faith with the assurance in GOD that our tomorrows will continue to be better than our yesterdays. No matter what is thrown at us, you the GOD of our fore-parents whose prayers continue to saturate our lands, we pray that you keep us safe in this hurricane season, and that you bless us as we say, GOD is Great! BVILOVE.”

Hurricane CoI?

Coincidentally, the controversial Commission of Inquiry sponsored by the United Kingdom in the height of the global coronavirus pandemic resumes also today. The UK has refused to assist the VI financially during the pandemic, saying the VI can afford to help itself.