For the last several days, many on these islands have followed the progress of tropical disturbances taking shape in the Atlantic. Government has remained vigilant, working with our partners at the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service to track what we are now calling Tropical Depression 13, located less than 1,000 miles east-southeast of the Virgin Islands. 

As we enter this new week, it feels as though we are also entering a new chapter in BVI’s response to COVID-19. I would like to take this opportunity to update and reassure the public on what to expect over the coming weeks.

United Kingdom (UK) ships RFA Argus and HMS Medway will be conducting a hurricane response exercise on Norman Island on Sunday 16 and Monday 17, August.

Deputy Governor of the Virgin Islands Mr. David D. Archer, Jr., has been appointed as Deputy to Governor from August 10^th to 14th.   

Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley is the new Deputy Premier of the Virgin Islands for the duration of the Government’s term in office.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie is informing the public that today, Friday, August  7, Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley will be officially sworn in as the new Deputy Premier of the Virgin Islands for the duration of the Government’s term in office. 

The Public Service will close at 1:00 p.m. today, July 29 as the Territory prepares to experience the effects of Tropical Cyclone Nine.

Greetings to all. Tuesday afternoon I convened a meeting of the National Emergency Operations Centre’s operations group so that Territory leadership, including myself and the Deputy Premier, could receive a full briefing on the expectations for Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 and strategise how to enact our final preparations for that system.

Greetings to all in these Virgin Islands.

Many of us were jolted out of a Sunday routine by a 4.03 magnitude earthquake. The final report from Territory partners at the Puerto Seismic Network indicates that the centre of the earthquake was approximately 32 kilometres north of Road Town, or approximately 20 miles away, and that the strongest shaking was felt by persons on the island of Virgin Gorda.

Good day to all.

You would have seen the Ministry of Health’s press release this morning on the increased COVID-19 prevention measures that have been put in place for Jost Van Dyke.