BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND – BVI’s Premier and Minister responsible for Tourism, Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, is confirming that the Territory is resuming regular business activity despite recent heavy rainfalls experienced over the past few days due to a tropical disturbance.
Speaking with the Department of Information and Public Relations, the tourism Minister said, “The Territory sustained infrastructural damage mainly to our road network caused by 20.4 inches of rainfall since Tuesday but we have received reports of only minimal physical damage to buildings due to flooding.”
The Premier added, “The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport is open and since Wednesday inward and outbound flights have been operating without any major interruptions.”
The Tourism Minister offered words of assurance stating that, “All tourists on island are accounted for as no tourist has been left stranded nor referred to any of the emergency shelters.”
Acting Director of the BVI Tourist Board Ms. Perla George said that, “Some tourism based establishments have reported minimal flood and rain damages and are open for business. Other businesses which were closed for the summer season are reporting that they will be opened as previously announced and we anticipate having a thriving season.”
Clean-up crews from the Public Works and Solid Waste Departments are canvassing the Territory’s road and ghuts to ensure they are cleared and cleaned of debris as quickly as possible. Clean-up will be ongoing for as long as needed.
The tropical disturbance is one of many to impact the Territory in recent weeks as part of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane season.
