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- - - 2017 Hurricane Season - - -
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- Cayman Hazard Management official returns from BVI
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2017 09:08:05 -0800
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Frank from Nevis shared the following article with me:
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- Virgin Gorda Update Oct.7, 2017
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- By Jeff McNutt <jeff at divebvi.com>
- Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2017 11:41:03 -0400
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Update from the VG Relief Supply Fund:Update Oct 7th, 10:45amGood Morning! Yesterday marked 1 month since "Irmageddon" hit our beloved BVI. I had the pleasure of being there yesterday to deliver more supplies and check in on my own employees and friends. They are all doing very well! What strong people!Also, I went so that I could attend a VG meeting by the Tourism Board with the Premier. We had a chance to hear what the BVI anticipates for our tourism sector as well as what they will do to assist our businesses in the rebuilding phase. The room was packed and it was wonderful to see everyone! Here's what we found out as well as general updates that you should know:- A list of what we are able to ship with out Customs Duty has been identified. We are able to ship relief and rebuilding products without charges until December 31st. At the meeting, it was discussed that while we appreciate it, we all cannot file insurance, gain bank loans, and order (or have a place to put materials) for a 1-2 year rebuild by Dec 31st. The Premier ensured us that this was something they would review and extend - even if it's on a case by case basis. - BVI Labour Department will be cooperative on allowing skilled workers and technicians to come and assist with rebuild. We have asked for the 'red tape' to be lifted in an effort to gain quick access to rebuild. At this time, while so many of you want to assist, when you do come please ensure you have a place to stay and bring plenty of cash - many places aren't able to use cards just yet. While it's getting there, it's slow.- Car rentals have been compromised. Numerous cars were damaged and there is a shortage of vehicles. Plan on walking for a while. - Financial services is reinstated and the BVI Govt is doing what it can to get them back up running. - Charter Yachts (Interline Regattas, Charter Yacht Society, etc) are being asked to come to the BVI to experience something special - "Voluntourism" - by coming to our now uncrowded beaches and islands, they are helping us get back on our feet. Well over half of pre-booked charters have decided not to cancel their trips! It's still beautiful! And visiting still helps! The land-based tourism is crippled and will be for a while but yachting is strong.Personal note: This is SO true. My own company (Dive BVI) will be resuming recreational diving as soon as November once we have temporary space and an operational compressor with power in place.- Virgin Gorda Airport is OPEN FOR BUSINESS! We saw the announcement this morning. ASSI has cleared it with unrestricted access. Island Birds has announced that it will be accepting reservations. We aren't sure about commercial lines yet but we will notify you with that information. - Efforts to rebuild the island are in full swing. I found out about a group just now - rebuildvg.org - which is AMAZING! I've reached out to the organizer and will keep their info shared. Our fund here is for community development and aiding in their recovery. This one is to help REBUILD! We are SO proud! What is even better is that they have been able to file for IRS status 501(c)(3). For anyone/corporations who wish to make large contributions with tax deductions, this could be a great option. They will announce when it is through. They have containers onboard Tamarind Consolidated already! - VGROC continues to inventory aid and donations and allows residents to come in for 5 items per person each day. Those who can afford it are shopping in the open grocery stores. While supplies are limited, we are getting back to some normality.- Employment will be a problem for a while. Contruction will be king for a long time. Your continued support to this fund - or ANY fund and aid donations will keep residents fed and assist in rebuilding. - Julie Swartz is leading a tremendous effort to remove recyclables from the island to ease the trash build up. We hope that residents embrace this and that this continues for a long time! It's a great way for us to legally send recycled products to the states. VGROC has been really busy so I'll keep trying to get more info every other day or 2 to send. Our trip yesterday was very successful- delivered numerous generators, chainsaw sharpeners, large tarps, dumpster bags, cleaning supplies, etc. This is going to be our biggest need. Access to cleaning supplies and ways to remove trees and debris are priority.Thank you so much for your CONTINUED support and love!#VGSTRONG, #BVISTRONG, #ONEBVIJeff McNutt
Partner, Dive BVI
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- Hurricane Irma
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Thu, 5 Oct 2017 15:11:10 -0400
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Some incredible footage of the eye of Hurricane Irma passing over Cane Garden Bay on Tortola
https://vimeo.com/235761428
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vimeo.com
6th September 2017: Time lapse of Hurricane Irma approaching Cane Garden Bay, BVI. The eye passes and then the storm resumes just as camera battery fails
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https://vimeo.com/235761238
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vimeo.com
6th September 2017: Time lapse of Hurricane Irma approaching Cane Garden Bay, BVI. The eye passes and then the storm resumes just as camera battery fails
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- Virgin Gorda
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- By Jeff McNutt <jeff at divebvi.com>
- Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2017 17:53:22 -0400
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Just back from 3rd Supply Mission to Virgin Gorda.
We hauled more MREs, generators, tarps, cleaning supplies, and Most Importantly, Medicine for the VG Clinics. Supplies are critically low with no resupply in sight. Our team also installed a Sat Phone Comms unit at the VG ROC (Recovery Operations Center) in Spanish Town. We now have reliable telephone/internet in the base of operations 24/7. Word is that UK troops are being pulled out. Scary thought! We need MORE not less. We have 3 containers coming on Tuesday full of food, shelter kits, generators, pet food, and more (ALL supplied by private donors). We must have troops there to protect our volunteer workers and the supplies. UK - Please send more troops to help us!
Spirits are higher than on my 1st and 2nd trips. Works continue to pile up debris, clean the streets, and the VG ROC is amazing. Groups have organized and set up work stations (using VHF radios for comms), daily duties are assigned and carried out. The VG Community has taken charge of its own recovery and are doing a fantastic job. But they still need our support and donations - https://www.youcaring.com/virgingordacommunity-940410 is our fund to support VG Relief efforts.
Thank you for all of your support. Next mission scheduled for Wed!
Jeff McNutt
Partner, Dive BVI
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- CDEMA Update
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2017 19:09:23 -0700
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Update from Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA)
Attachment:
cdema_sitrep_1_hurricane_maria.pdf
Description: Adobe PDF document
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- BVI Bar Updates
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2017 19:44:15 -0400
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- Virgin Gorda
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- By Jeff McNutt <jeff at divebvi.com>
- Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2017 14:31:40 -0400
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Residents are VG are preparing for Maria. More people getting cell access now and some FB, what's app chats going out. We really don't need the rain/wind that is coming with this system. Continuing the call for medical supplies for VG clinic.
Planning another supply drop on Friday if conditions allow. Check Dive BVI Facebook page for more pics and requests lists. Thank you for your support!!! Jeff McNutt
Partner, Dive BVI
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- A few pics and links
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2017 19:28:08 -0400
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Full Drone Video of Nanny Cay in the British Virgin Islands
pictures of
Sopers Hole, West End, Frenchmans Cay
Pussers and shops
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- Finding Loved Ones
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2017 16:03:35 -0400
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Find loved ones, report missing ones you are searching for info on and report SAFE ones, very important if you have heard from someone, report them as SAFE so others searching for them will know
For the
BVI
and ALL other islands
http://www.irmatracker.com/
Pick out island, search for person on list, if not there, then
fill out form for missing (use this same form,to report SAFE)
You will get automated email once the person is changed from missing to safe
If you KNOW someone is SAFE, use the same form to fill out info, for instance see Christine Williams (in the list, reported safe before she was reported missing)
Add any info there too, relatives and friends are searching. You can report yourself SAFE too. Many folks are conserving their batteries in the islands, so they may not be able to respond to multiple requests about their welfare. Rpeort the SAFE ones as well as the missing ones you are searching for.
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- Update
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- By Jeff McNutt <jeff at divebvi.com>
- Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2017 15:32:14 -0400
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Some pics of Virgin Gorda from my trip Thursday. Total devastation.
Attachment:
IMG_20170909_213004_584.jpg
Description: JPEG image
Attachment:
20170908_143240.jpg
Description: JPEG image
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- Virgin Gorda
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- By Jeff McNutt <jeff at divebvi.com>
- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2017 12:45:56 -0400
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Brief recap from Relief Supply drop to Virgin Gorda yesterday:
Flew 2 private planes into Ceiba airport in Puerto Rico, unloaded planes into waiting box truck, unloaded into waiting boats at Police Marina. 5 boats took off for VG into 4-6 ft seas and got to Spanish Town around 1330. I met with local contacts who secured a dock for us to berth and unload. VG community had a 10 am meeting to assess the situation and decided to aggregate supplies at a central location. Police are on guard there to protect supplies. I checked on as many people as I could but had to get out before nightfall. Headed back to PR from Beef Island - runway has been cleared, but no tower operations. Overnighted there and departed to Orlando to get ready for Irma landfall in Florida.
The situation on VG is dire. The infrastructure is gone. Most roofs gone, debris everywhere. All 3 of our dive shops are gone. No idea about boats as I didn't have time to check. All employees accounted for and preps are being made to evacuate ASAP.
Security is seriously needed on VG. Police have had no contact with BVI govt. We supplied a Sat phone to head police officer (she has taken charge admirably). Order must be established, sanitation is required and WATER is an immediate threat. We supplied 50 cases of MREs, water, tarps/cordage, generators/extension cords, gloves, first aid kits, personal sanitation items, and more.
Commercial dock is structurally sound and cleared of debris. Cargo can be received at the port in Spanish Town. Please send help ASAP!
Jeff McNutt
Partner, Dive BVI
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- 65 pictures
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2017 08:34:50 -0400
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- links and videos
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2017 08:31:20 -0400
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- pics and videos
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2017 08:17:38 -0400
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More information forwarded:
Subject: Next one
This is another one…
has more of a news report with videos too
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
this one shows downtown… (Road Town)
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- pics from nanny cay
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2017 08:08:15 -0400
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Subject: Fwd: Nanny Cay boatyard images
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- Videos and pics
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2017 08:06:25 -0400
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Information forwarded to me about the BVI:
Irma in the BVI aftermath video… (Road Town)
We found this short video of the Nanny Cay area this morning… OMG
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- Shocking
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2017 22:39:25 -0400
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BVI is devastated from hurricane Irma
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- Fwd: Irma
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2017 06:55:38 -0700
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---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: R Petrillo M Puceta Date: Thu, Sep 7, 2017 at 6:47 AM Subject: Irma
Just thought I'd let you know if you're looking for info on the BVI, there's a FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1922822811318744/
I'm following it because I haven't heard from my husband since the storm hit. Communications have started in the past few hours from people with sat phones.
Here's damage from Spanish Town businesses.
Richard Branson rode out the storm on Necker and did ok, although there was much property damage. ""Necker staff are doing a triage of the scenario bringing medical skills and supplies to VG and gun creek. Moskito are launching a boat to check on
North sound properties of Bitter end, saba and oil nut Bay."
Reports from Leverick Bay: "There is horrible damage all around. Houses are gone, Gun Creek is no more."
Didn't know if you wanted to post for them for anyone looking for info on that island. You can peruse the FB Group for info on the other islands.
The British Navy has sent a ship to help.
I'll post for St. Croix. We came out relatively unscathed.
Hurricane Jose needs to leave us all alone.
Best, Renee
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- Immense Hurricane Irma Seen From Space Station Video
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 21:18:09 -0400
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- Tortola
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 21:10:21 -0400
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posted by a friend in the BVI...
6:30am on Ballast Bay, no seas yet, no wind yet, we had a light rain. So what do I hear across the valley? A transformer on a power pole blowing… Is that a metaphorical starter's pistol? BVI Electricity just being their usual eager selves?
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- Video from Barbuda
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 20:45:14 -0400
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Video from Barbuda, Hurricane Irma
Starts off sedate and then the trees are just gone!
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- Wind Speeds
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 19:38:43 -0400
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- EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANEGADA
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 18:48:54 -0400
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EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANEGADA
EMERGENCY UPDATES
LATEST NEWS
04
SEP
As you are aware, Irma is predicted to impact the Territory as a Category 4 hurricane on Wednesday afternoon into the evening as the system moves across the BVI.
The projected path places the eye very close to Anegada and we are therefore concerned about the level of impact the system could have on the island and individuals there.
It is expected that storm surge from this event can range from 10 to 14 feet or higher.
Given that Anegada is a low-lying island it is therefore vulnerable to storm surge which has the potential to cause significant damage along the coastline and properties within the affected area.
Residents and individuals on Anegada are being asked to consider leaving the island and to find safe shelter with family and friends on other nearby islands.
Arrangements are being made by the Government of the Virgin Islands with Speedy’s and Road Town Fast Ferries to transport persons who wish to relocate from Anegada to Virgin Gorda or Tortola.
These Ferries will leave Anegada at 12 noon on Tuesday, 5 September.
Individuals who don’t have family members on Tortola or Virgin Gorda can be accommodated at emergency shelters on these islands.
On Virgin Gorda, the Catholic Community Centre in the Valley and the Methodist Church in North Sound will open to receive persons.
Persons wishing to stay on Tortola can be accommodate in St. George’s Anglican Church Hall in Road Town, the New Testament Church of God in Baugher’s Bay, East End Community Centre or West End Community Centre.
Individuals who choose to seek temporary accommodation on Tortola or Virgin Gorda at Emergency Shelters must inform the District Officer, Mrs. Shirley Vanterpool of their intentions so that arrangements can be made for them.
Please ensure that you have essential supplies (an emergency kit well stocked with water, batteries, battery-operated radio, flashlights, medications and non-perishable food items) for at least three days.
The Claudia Creque Educational Centre on Anegada will also be opened to accommodate persons who wish to remain on the island. This facility will be managed by the Anegada Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) headed by Melanie Faulkner-Smith.
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- Message from the Governor
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 18:39:35 -0400
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Message by His Excellency the Governor on Hurricane Irma As It Approaches The British Virgin Islands
Statement
Topic: Disaster Preparedness | Posted By: DSmith
4 September 2017 - 2:48pm
Good day one and all.
By now, you should be on high alert as we prepare for intense weather conditions expected from Hurricane Irma, which as of 11:00a.m was located near latitude 16.8 degrees North, longitude 53.3 degrees West.
Irma is currently a category 3 hurricane but will continue to strengthen. It is therefore a real threat to the Territory and based on the current forecast track, the eye of Irma is expected to pass approximately 35 miles north east of Road Town and will be closer to other islands across the Territory, in particular, the island of Anegada.
In light of the predictions on Hurricane Irma’s path, the meteorological authorities for the BVI, the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, has issued a hurricane watch for the Territory. This means hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
Considering Anegada’s topography and vulnerability to storm surge and the predicted wave heights, we are concerned about the impacts that this system may have on this island and we will initiate appropriate actions to support the residents. At this point we advise residents of Anegada to consider leaving the island and to find safe shelter with family and friends. We will be making provisions to support this move and further details will be issued.
Irma is expected to bring strong hurricane conditions to the Territory. However, I want to assure you that the authorities are undertaking all necessary precautions to safeguard the people of the Territory, analysing all the forecasts and are making decisions in your and the Territory’s best interest.
Jointly with the Premier, I held earlier today an emergency meeting of the National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) with key agencies, ministries and departments to review the forecasts and discuss our contingency and action plans.
The discussions surrounded the readiness of the emergency services, government and our key sector agencies. We have fully activated the disaster response mechanism; all key players are fully on board and all critical assets are being secured to ensure that we have the ability to initiate an immediate response following the impact.
Following this meeting, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) was activated at 12 noon today, 4th September.
The NEOC will provide a central point for the coordination of response actions.
Please rest assured that the members of the NEOC will make appropriate decisions taking into consideration information from forecasters, historical and geographical knowledge of the BVI and past experiences.
Decisions made and instructions from the NEOC must be followed as we work to protect lives and minimise loss.
After consultation with the Premier and the Deputy Governor, we have decided to close all Government Offices at 4:30 this afternoon (Monday, 4 September). This will allow public officers additional time to finalise their preparations. However, essential workers who would be needed will be contacted by their Heads of department to finalise Government’s preparations.
I understand this will be a period of uncertainty for those of us who will be experiencing a hurricane for the first time and even those who have experienced storms and hurricanes before.
The most important thing that you can do at this time is to be ready. Finalise your hurricane preparations, stay informed and follow the instructions from your local authorities.
Have your emergency supplies kit packed with supplies for at least three days, secure your homes, businesses and other personal property items such as cars and boats. Ensure that you have a battery operated radio to receive updates. Stay inside during the passage of the hurricane and follow all instructions which will be issued before, during and after the event.
Please monitor all media platforms - radio, television and the Department of Disaster Management’s Website (bviddm.com) and Facebook page BVI DDM for updates on the hurricane’s progress and for safety tips.
To all in the Virgin Islands, my message to you is to be ready and stay safe.
May God bless and protect the Territory.
Thank you!
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- BVI
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- By Dear Miss Mermaid <dearmissmermaid at aol.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 18:22:48 -0400
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I am traveling and not in the islands. Having a rough time getting in touch with friends in BVI.
Government wants Anegada to evacuate due to projected ocean surge of 17-24 feet
Richard Branson of Necker island made international news stating he is staying for the hurricane. Well, his place is well outfitted for the aftermath, which is often worse than the hurricane.
Soggy Dollar on Jost shows calm before the storm
Will post more as I find out info.
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- Virgin Gorda
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- By Jeff McNutt <jeff at divebvi.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 15:09:36 -0400
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Dive BVI is closed up, boarded and bagged. All of our boats have been hauled and chocked. Our staff is at home preparing for the onslaught tomorrow. Many people on island still aren't taking this thing seriously. VG is still a mess after the flooding from the Wave a few weeks ago. It's going to be a long few days! Jeff McNutt
Partner, Dive BVI
SSI International Training Director/Instructor Trainer
Ph 754-757-6721
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Older reports from the BVI have been moved to another page.
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