More than 6000 displaced in BVI, premier indicates

Premier Dr D Orlando Smith has indicated that, based on preliminary calculations, more than 6,000 residents of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) were displaced when category 5 hurricane Irma hit the territory on September 6.

The 2010 Population and Housing Census Report said the BVI has a population of 28,054.

“Initial calculations show that approximately 22.5 percent of the territory’s population has been displaced,” Premier Smith said in a press statement today, October 3.

He also reminded property owners and landlords to rebuild.

“I again ask property owners and landlords to take advantage of opportunities such as the loan reprieves by the territory’s banks, the waiving of customs duties for rebuilding supplies, and the relaxed labour and immigration policies to contract skilled labourers to jumpstart the rebuilding process and secure housing for residents,” he said.

Premier Smith again noted: “Skilled workers can enter the territory via the Terrance B Lettsome Airport, the West End Jetty, Tortola Pier Park Tender Dock and directly to Virgin Gorda via the St Thomas Bay Jetty. Persons entering the country for recovery and relief purposes must indicate so upon arrival and provide the name and contact details of their
employer, intended length of stay in the territory and their occupation.”

4,240 houses reported damaged or destroyed in BVI