As has become common in recent years, experts are predicting above-average levels of activity for the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Meteorologists from Colorado State University predict 19 named storms, nine …
May 13, 2022
November 1, 2021
Royal Navy ship visits Virgin Islands
The HMS Medway’s four-day visit proved to be not only a valuable opportunity to coordinate with the Virgin Islands’ lead organisations for dealing with disaster management, but also gave the …
February 8, 2021
$9.8 million contract to bring new NEOC
Having laid in ruin since Hurricane Irma passed in 2017, the National Emergency Operations Centre will soon be demolished, and a state-of-the-art centre will be built in its place, officials …
June 3, 2020
Pandemic complicates hurricane season
Though hurricane season is nothing new to most Virgin Islands residents, preparation work for it may look quite different this year. Governor Gus Jaspert offered a reminder that although the …
February 27, 2020
Mangroves on the move: Habitat restoration efforts underway
On the eastern end of Jost Van Dyke, where sunshine beats down on expansive white beaches, is a quiet little inlet. The pool is sheltered from crashing waves by a …
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August 28, 2019
In surprise, Dorian brushes VI, but no major damage reported
As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, forecasters were expecting the centre of Tropical Storm Dorian to pass well to the south of the Virgin Islands, buffeting Puerto Rico and possibly …
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December 6, 2018
DDM Director Sharleen DaBreo awarded MBE
Sharleen DaBreo’s lifelong dedication to the field of disaster management began with, not surprisingly, a disaster: the 1979 eruption of the Soufrière volcano in St. Vincent. “I can still smell …
October 4, 2018
In looking back at Irma, hindsight is 20/20
This article appeared in the Beacon’s “Irma Anniversary” special edition on Sept. 6. Sharleen DaBreo, the director of the Department of Disaster Management, is trained to think about all the …
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July 20, 2018
Work continues to restore emergency warning systems
The re-installation of disaster warning systems across the territory is in full swing, according to the Department of Disaster Management. “We have been able to source and purchase a number …
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May 31, 2018
Hurricane season starts tomorrow, as Alberto makes landfall in US
The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins tomorrow, and government officials are evaluating the territory’s readiness after last year’s devastating storms. Governor Gus Jaspert assured the public in a press …
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May 10, 2018
As Coxheath burns, NEOC activated at level 2
On Wednesday, a massive fire engulfed the dumpsite at Coxheath, emitting thick black smoke across Tortola and downwind to the United States Virgin Islands. Thursday morning, as the blaze continued …
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