Mr. Speaker, this morning I give God many thanks for extending His mercies unto this Territory as we weathered Hurricane Dorian, first as a Tropical Storm and then as a Category 1 Hurricane on Wednesday, August 28.
The Department of Disaster Management is advising the Virgin Islands community that Governor Augustus Jaspert, after consultation with the Premier and the Director of the National Emergency Operations Centre, is satisfied that the current weather conditions are no longer a threat to the Territory. He is therefore de-activating the NEOC.
The public is advised that while Hurricane Dorian has passed, the region is still in the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Residents and visitors should maintain a high level of awareness of approaching systems and remain prepared.
At 500 AM, the centre of Hurricane Dorian was located near latitude 20.5 North, longitude 66.6 West. At this distance the hurricane has moved approximately 195 miles away from the BVI.
Fellow Virgin Islanders, residents and visitors,
I greet you in the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who never fails to protect His people and this Territory.
We have safely made it through the direct passage of what started out as a Tropical Storm and quickly strengthened into Hurricane Dorian, with no reported loss of life or limb.
Good day and God’s richest blessings to all of you and your families.
You would have learned from His Excellency the Governor in a statement this morning that after our consultation, the National Emergency Operating Centre w (NEOC) as activated.