Statement

Premier's Office
Ministry of Finance
Release Date:
Monday, 9 August 2021 - 4:38pm

MESSAGE FROM PREMIER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE
HONOURABLE ANDREW A. FAHIE

ON AL94

Good day and GOD’s blessings to you all.

Many of you would have seen that forecasters in Antigua have issued a Tropical Alert regarding AL94, a weather disturbance that is expected to pass near the Virgin Islands tomorrow.

Alerts like these are issued when forecasters want us to know that there is the potential for a storm to form soon.

We have learned that there is a great level of uncertainty regarding the system, so that the usual 48 hours or so notice that we are accustomed to with a storm warning would not be possible.

People of the Virgin Islands, I want all of us to continue to be in a state of preparedness where we remain vigilant in the event that there is any further development that could lead to a storm warning for us.

As always, your Government urges you to be ready and stay ready as this potential system approaches.

Let us keep our homes and businesses ready as the team at the Department of Disaster Management shares information when it becomes available.

If there are any repairs or other preparedness measures that you have been putting off, I urge you to complete them today.

For Government’s part, we have been working diligently this season to clear debris, activate our plans, and do all in our power to protect the  Virgin Islands, all while continuing to take steps to minimise the impact of COVID-19.

I thank the many teams at the ministries and departments for the preparatory work they are doing and those that will continue to do because we know that once this system passes, more may follow as the season progresses. We have to remain prepared at all times.

Let us all please continue to join together in BVILOVE and do one more check on your neighbours as you ensure that your home, business, emergency supplies and critical documents are all in order.

Ensure that your family and business have done all in your power to Be Ready.

We do not know for certain what this system will bring, but we do know that is far better to prepare and prevent than to repair and repent. We do know what once we do our part, GOD will do His part.

Thank you, and may GOD continue to protect His people and may He bless the Virgin Islands so that we remain safe.

Thank you, and let us remain vigilant.