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"I think we were fortunate to experience the storm without much damage" - Hon. Vanterpool.

- West End biggest challenge after TS Isaac
Cleared area around "the bluff" in West End after tropical storm Isaac had passed, causing the sea to throw debris on the roadways. Photo: Ron Henry/VINO
Another area cleared of debris on the roadways in West End. Photo: Ron Henry/VINO
Another area cleared of debris on the roadways in West End. Photo: Ron Henry/VINO
WEST END, Tortola, VI – Now that tropical storm Isaac has come, seen and did not conquer, persons around the island are grateful that much damage has not been caused to the infrastructure in place. None may be more grateful however, than residents of West End, in the south western area of Tortola.

The raging sea yesterday afternoon and last night threatened to take over the shoreline fuelled by the strong winds of the storm. Part of the roadways became encumbered with debris from the sea and shore forcing a closure of the road for some time last evening and early this morning inconveniencing commuters for a period of time. 

Workers from the Public Works Department were however quickly into action and were able to remove any existing debris during the afternoon but were forced to abandon this due to the fact that the sea kept pushing back the debris. 

Speaking with this news site earlier today, Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark Vanterpool said “I think we are fortunate to have experienced the storm without much damage.” 

The Minister said the storm had passed more southerly than expected but conceded however, that there were some effects of it on the tail end. 

“It caused us to close the road last evening and divert traffic in a different direction until this morning when we got it cleared up,” he said. “It was very dangerous.” 

Hon. Vanterpool also said that water was coming over in different areas but it was just the area commonly referred to as the Bluff that became impassable and was cause for significant concern. 

“From my point of view, in terms of the roads… the biggest challenge we had was around that way”.

He also said that the other area that usually comes under him whenever there is a storm is the ports. He was happy to report however, that the boats and barges did “reasonably well” under the circumstances. 

He thought that the Public Works were very quick to get up and clean out the affected areas, starting this morning and getting things done by 8:00am. 

“The Public Works performed well and we tried to keep persons informed through our Ministry”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Responses to “"I think we were fortunate to experience the storm without much damage" - Hon. Vanterpool.”

  • apple (24/08/2012, 16:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we must say thanks to god!
  • so so (24/08/2012, 16:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    did anyone told the good man that many parts of the BVI are without power??? get real Mr. Mark!!!
    • move on .com (24/08/2012, 23:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      and ayo tell the minister or ask him if he ain't see the rain still coming?????
    • hold on (25/08/2012, 23:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      some of you just need to have patience deman, the power will come on eventually.
  • critic (24/08/2012, 16:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    late but good job
  • west end resident (24/08/2012, 16:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    so that mean the government need to see about paving the alternate road to which we had to take cause i can't understand why the road isn't pave. night mare (the road in cox heath is what i am talking bout)
  • zoe (24/08/2012, 22:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why did Vanterpool and the NDP wait til the umteen hour to clear the road???? suckteeth
  • Only God (25/08/2012, 07:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We are not fortunate Hon. Vanterpool, we are BLESSED!!!
    • love child (25/08/2012, 08:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      dispite our wicked ways we are...here here here
      • church (25/08/2012, 18:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        not to worry just a few wicked people the rest of us are blessed an higly favoured.
  • Mary J (25/08/2012, 13:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    minister vanterpool try his best he is a man who gets out of his office and gets on the streets to see what is going on...
  • day off (25/08/2012, 23:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mark you clear the road to soon I waz looking for an excuse for a day off.....
  • yellow (26/08/2012, 23:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is very interesting after the governor and DDM done say all clear....now here we are now being told that roads were closed and dangerous...


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