'We have to be on top of our game' this hurricane season- Premier Wheatley

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Local Government agencies and partners have pledged to work in a close partnership to ensure that the [British] Virgin Islands is as prepared as possible for the ongoing 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

The pledge of support came during the annual meeting of the National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) held June 22, 2023, where his Excellency the Governor, John J. Rankin, CMG said that close collaboration has been key to ensuring adequate preparedness in recent years.

“This is an area where the Premier and I are working together with the Deputy Governor and the Permanent Secretaries, as well as the Department of Disaster Management,” Governor Rankin said.

“We all must be prepared, and the current warm temperatures are perhaps yet further evidence of the climate change affecting the planet and the risk of more disruptive weather patterns to come,” the Governor added.

'We have to be on top of our game'- Premier

Premier, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) thanked the council for their commitment to improving the Territory’s resilience through works done in marine and land-based emergency shelter inspections; structural integrity checks for key public facilities; repairs at schools; ghut clearance; training for first responders and testing of emergency plans.