Message on Hurricane Danny
Acting Governor, Mrs. V. Inez Archibald, CBE
August 21, 2015

Residents of The Virgin Islands, by now you would be aware that Danny has been upgraded to Category 3 Hurricane. As a result, I have authorised the activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre at Level 2, considering that the Territory will feel some impact from this system by Monday or Tuesday.

Forecasters continue to indicate that we can expect flooding, landslides and possible power outages due to high winds. I am particularly concerned about the impact that high winds and heavy rainfall could have on the environment considering the extensive period of drought we have been experiencing over the past months which has resulted in loose soil and fragile foliage.

Businesses and home owners should pay particular attention to their surroundings at this time and use the weekend to address any drainage or erosion concerns around their properties.

As a result of the activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre, the DDM will therefore now transition to providing 24-hour services until the all-clear is given and will lead the response coordination activities throughout the passage of Hurricane Danny.

At 10:00 a.m., I called a meeting of critical Government agencies to receive updates on preparedness actions that have been taken and to determine priority steps for completing readiness activities for the approaching hurricane.

From all indications, departments have been adhering to the precautionary measures issued by the Department of Disaster Management over the past week; have activated their emergency plans and will take the next few days to finalise preparations and to ensure security of government assets. In addition, I have noted that specific attention has been paid to informing residents of the sister islands and ensuring that mechanisms are in place to support any response that may be required on those islands.

Residents are being reminded to make use of the weekend to ensure that adequate supplies of non-perishable food, water and other supplies are on hand to stay comfortable in the event of any disruption in utility services.

Persons who are providing care to the elderly and young children are also being reminded to secure necessary medication and supplies as some services may be unavailable during and immediately after the passage of Hurricane Danny.

I urge non-emergency personnel to remain off the roads during the passage of the system. Any decisions on the closure of public offices will be made over the weekend.

We will continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Danny and provide updates as they become available. Please ensure that you continue to follow the information and updates provided by the National Emergency Operations Centre, through the Department of Disaster Management website and social media outlets, local media and cellular service providers.

Let us all be safe as we weather this system together.

Thank you.