Governor gives official ‘all clear’ for residents

All residents in the British Virgin Islands have now been given the ofiicial ‘all-clear’ to go outdoors following Hurricane Maria.

Governor Augustus Jaspert gave the go-ahead in a media release this morning. Up to late yesterday, the BVI was still under hurricane watch though the brunt of Hurricane Maria had passed. Governor Jaspert said the territory was still being affected by the outer bands of the storm.

The governor said he gave the ‘all-clear’ after consulting with the Premier and the director of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC).

“We are satisfied that the immediate threat posed by Hurricane Maria to the Territory is over as the hurricane warning has been lifted and the main roads have been cleared,” said Governor.

“We wish to thank the emergency and essential workers whose efforts on Wednesday have helped to unblock roads. I also give thanks to the police forces, including those from the UK, Bermuda and Cayman here and the British military, who were immediately ready to help ensure security was maintained, and aid and recovery could re-start.”

While it is safe for residents to step outdoors, Governor Jaspert said the daily curfew from 6:00 pm to 9:00 am remains in effect.