Governor commends agencies for rapid response after TS Ernesto

Governor Daniel Pruce has commended local agencies for their swift efforts in starting restoration work in the territory following Tropical Storm Ernesto, which battered the BVI on Tuesday.

In the aftermath of TS Ernesto, community members were left puzzled about whether it was truly a tropical storm or a hurricane due to the strong winds and significant damage.

BVI News caught up with Governor Pruce during his trek through Road Town on Wednesday, immediately after the storm. He acknowledged the agencies working to restore normalcy, including the restoration of power lines and clearing of debris from roads.

“Throughout the night and into the day, teams across the government were not only monitoring the storm and projecting its trajectory but also responding to the impact it’s had on the island. Their efforts have been magnificent, and they’ve been working tirelessly,” said Governor Pruce, adding that they’ve been doing “really challenging work against intensely pressurized deadlines.”

“Everyone wants to get back to normal as quickly as possible, but it’s been a magnificent effort so far. That work continues today and into tomorrow,” the Governor added.

He also advised the community to look out for their neighbours during the journey back to normalcy.

Mariners have been urged to bear in mind that rough seas associated with Ernesto are expected to continue for the next couple of days.

All clear

Meanwhile, Governor Pruce has given the all-clear for residents to move about freely. He stated that after consulting with the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and the Premier, the public has been notified that the immediate threat from Hurricane Ernesto has passed, and it is now appropriate for motorists and residents to resume normal activities.

He noted that power has already been restored in Road Town and central Tortola, although it may take more time for the rest of the territory.

Additionally, Governor Pruce has urged the public to exercise caution, patience, and, most importantly, to make preparations as the territory heads into the busiest period of the hurricane season.

During Ernesto, the Virgin Islands experienced sustained winds of 48 miles per hour with gusts of up to 80 miles per hour. Across the territory, an average of five inches of rain fell, with some areas seeing up to eight inches.