Transportation, security, imports, and other recovery concerns were among the issues discussed when Premier Dr. Orlando Smith met with about 100 business representatives on Thursday morning at the Tortola Pier Park.
“I want to thank you all for coming, because I think it’s important to … discuss how we can work together to get the business community in this state back up and running so we can continue the economic activity in the country, which is important to get the BVI on the move again,” Dr. Smith said.
Updates Most major roads, he said, have been cleared sufficiently to allow vehicles to pass, and the clearing process is ongoing. “Secondly, we have been concentrating on trying to get power back up in the country,” he said.
The BVI Electricity Corporation is back on line, and electricity has been restored to parts of Road Town, according to the premier. He added that it “will take some time” before power is fully restored, but that technicians from other Caribbean countries are helping the BVIEC replace downed power poles and lines.
In the meantime, generators are powering some businesses and government agencies, and leaders are asking for anyone who can lend a generator to do so. Telecommunications services are also being restored: CCT is providing coverage in Road Town, and both Digicel and Flow are expanding the limited services they are already able to offer, according to the premier. Dr. Smith also said that insurance companies have begun accepting claims, and the territory’s banks are open for business, including some ATMs.
Questions and concerns
After his update, the premier asked attendees what else they need. One attendee wanted to know how to bring workers into the territory to help his business recover. The premier said that priority has been given to aid workers, but that others should be able to get in soon.
Another attendee asked about looting.
“Almost every business here got looted,” the premier said. “Some have insurance; others will be able to go to the bank and start over.” He added that the government’s Small Business Bureau will do what it can to assist “to some degree” on a case-by-case basis, but he did not provide specifics. Developer Colin O’Neal, of JOMA Properties, asked about bringing in heavy equipment and other supplies needed in the rebuilding effort.
Dr. Smith said that the ports are open to bring in such items. Other attendees asked about the possibility of temporary customs duty exemptions to aid business owners in getting back on their feet.
The premier thanked them for the idea and said it would be considered. In response to security concerns aired by several businesses, the premier said that regular patrols are ongoing, but that it won’t be possible to station an officer by every shop window.
He added that 500 security personnel from abroad — who include United Kingdom soldiers and police officers — are assisting the Royal VI Police Force. Expats returning Jerry Smith, the owner of Therapy Works BVI, said that all of his clinical staff had been evacuated, and he had been hearing that expatriates on work permits might have trouble getting back into the territory. The premier reassured him.
“Those who have work permits can come back, but don’t wait for a year,” he chuckled, adding that such workers are needed for the rebuilding effort.
In response to another query, Dr. Smith said he expects the National Health Insurance system to continue functioning as usual. Someone else suggested that radio stations — some of which are back on stream — should put out a news update at a set time each day, and the premier agreed to work toward that goal.
Sachkia Barnes, a publicist who helped organise the meeting, added that leaders were working with ZBVI Radio to put out a news announcement at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.
Mortgages Other attendees asked about mortgages, and the premier said that the government had asked banks to extend payment deadlines if possible for residential and business mortgages.
Asked what percentage of homeowners are fully insured, the premier said he didn’t know, but added, “I’m sure that many are not fully insured.”
Dr. Smith added that building owners who have their records in order shouldn’t have to wait until an insurance assessment before beginning the rebuilding process. Jacqueline Malone of Caribbean Insurers added that building owners insured by her company can start the cleanup process after they have taken lots of photos of the damage.
Curfew
Other business owners expressed concerns about the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, which they said hinders their workers.
The premier replied the curfew is under continuous review. “It won’t be too long before we can leave that,” he said.
A senior citizen asked about evacuating, and the premier said that the Beef Island airport has recently placed priority on bringing in aid, but she should be able to fly out soon.
A Road Town Fast Ferry employee added that one ferry is travelling to St. Thomas now — Native Son leaves at 10 a.m. daily from the Road Town ferry terminal and returns at around 2:30 p.m. — and RTFF will be operating soon as well.
However, only United States citizens and green card holders are being allowed to enter at the St. Thomas ferry port as of Thursday morning, he said.
Peter Twist of Conch Charters asked about cleaning up the hurricane hole at Paraquita Bay, where dozens of boats were stored before the storm.
The premier promised to liaise with the VI Shipping Registry on the matter. Helping The premier also urged the public to help in the cleanup process. Galvanised roofing, he explained, should be stored separately, as it can be reused.
It is currently being collected at The Moorings. Other trash should be piled up for collectors or taken directly to Pockwood Pond, he said. Education and Culture Minister Myron Walwyn also spoke briefly, echoing the premier’s pleas for the entire community to help in the recovery process and explaining that government cannot do it alone.
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