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Preparations underway for active Hurricane Season

Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, left, and DDM Acting Director Jasen Penn participated in discussions during the NDMC meeting. Photo: GIS
Government agencies and key partners are working together to make sure the [British] Virgin Islands is prepared following the prediction of an active hurricane season by experts. Photo: Internet Source/File
Government agencies and key partners are working together to make sure the [British] Virgin Islands is prepared following the prediction of an active hurricane season by experts. Photo: Internet Source/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Government agencies and key partners are working together to make sure the [British] Virgin Islands is prepared following the prediction of an active hurricane season by experts.

His Excellency the Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, who chairs the National Disaster Management Council (NDMC), congratulated the members of the council during the body’s virtual meeting on Thursday, June 16, 2022, on steps taken so far and urged the team to carry on with their efforts, a press release from Government Information Sevice (GIS) stated.

“The risk of hurricanes and other hazards has not gone away,” Governor Rankin said, adding, “Last year, thankfully, we skipped any major impact, but we should be mindful there’s no guarantee that we will be so fortunate again.”

Key actions taken

Some of the key actions taken so far to ensure that the Territory will be ready this hurricane season include completing a Readiness Assessment for Critical Services within the public and private sector, completion of the Territory’s Continuity of Education Plan, training for search and rescue officers, public outreach events, and clearance of ghuts and waterways. These and other measures were reported by heads of NDMC committees in the areas of health, finance, governance, the environment, education, infrastructure, and public awareness.

Sister Islands Coordinator Ms Sasha D.A. Flax also shared ongoing efforts to safeguard residents on the islands of Anegada, Jost van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda.

'We must be prepared'- Premier Wheatley

Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) reminded the members that their efforts are vital to protect the Territory.

“As we have been preaching, especially since 2017, we must be prepared. We cannot simply hope that we won’t be impacted,” Dr Wheatley said.

The group also heard a report on expectations for the 2022 season from Department of Disaster Management Acting Director Jasen Penn.

“The different forecasters each expect in excess of 20 named storms this season. With that level of expected activity, we all have to work together to make the needed preparations as early as possible,” Mr Penn said.

The NDMC is the inter-agency body that sets territorial disaster risk reduction policy. This body is responsible for carrying out actions that are in keeping with the Disaster Management Act and the Virgin Islands Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategic Plan. The group includes Permanent Secretaries, the Financial Secretary, and the Director of Communications as well as leaders from key government departments, statutory bodies, and non-governmental partners.

5 Responses to “Preparations underway for active Hurricane Season”

  • Really (19/06/2022, 13:42) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    What about all the millions of dollars of relief money missing. Every donation is almost all ponsi scheme put on by the government
  • BuzzBvi (19/06/2022, 17:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Preparations BVI style. Hurricane season underway 20 days ago. Preparation would mean being prepared before June 1 as a minimum. Guts cleared??? I don't think so. They never are.
  • eye (19/06/2022, 17:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just tell us when a hurricane eye will pass over the BVI this year.
  • Linda (19/06/2022, 22:44) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I know we get hurricanes every year, whether small or large. Everyone should prepare, so when we do get an alert, we will be ready and won't have to swarm the supermarkets again. This is not new and has been going on since the beginning of time. Keep smart and keep safe.
  • Pay tax like us (20/06/2022, 09:39) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Rankin needs to start paying tax here. Until then I don't want to hear him. All you came here to do is collect which is a form of corruption.


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