Premier Fahie in a social media statement released today, November 30, 2019, said, "I am immensely grateful for the support of many teams in the Ministries, Departments, and Statutory Bodies of Government for performing superbly, you are too numerous to mention. You worked together to ensure that activities were well coordinated to help us as a Territory to get ready and stay ready,"

Everyone played a part - Premier

"I am so grateful for your commitment and for your due diligence to minimise any possible impacts. Selflessly during the storms, you left the safety of your homes and the comfort of your loved ones to attend to duties for the benefit of the public. For this, the Territory says thank you. We appreciate all that you have done and continue to do," Premier Fahie said.

In expressing gratitude to the Private sector for playing their part to support the Territory’s overall readiness, he said the Government could not prepare the Territory alone, hence, all hands on deck indeed made a significant difference.

Premier Fahie also expressed gratitude to legislators in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA) and to His Excellency the Governor Mr Augustus J. U Jaspert and his Office for partnering with the Government during the hurricane season.

He noted that as the territory looks forward to the future, recent trends with respect to weather activity, and in particular hurricane activity, are cause for serious concern.

More violent storms

"We are seeing more violent and destructive storms that deviate from the forecast models. Their behaviour is off the charts, and the prediction of their tracks is not as reliable as it used to be," Hon Fahie noted.

Turning attention to Hurricane Dorian, he said its behaviour and how it decimated the Bahamas is a powerful example of climate change and what the future could hold.

"It brings into clear focus the danger that is at the doorstep of Small Island States like the BVI with respect to climate change and other environmental issues," Hon Fahie underscored in noting that the government will take steps to protect the future of the territory.