Amid rain and wind that lasted much of the week, leaders and other community members reflected on the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Irma, with a largely virtual remembrance of how …
September 9, 2022
September 9, 2022
VI has come a ‘long’ way with recovery, but some still struggling
“I would say we have a lot to be proud of,” Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said during a recent press conference when asked about the upcoming fifth anniversary of …
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September 6, 2022
Irma, then and now: Five years later
The Virgin Islands has transformed in the five years since it was devastated by Hurricane Irma on Sept. 6, 2017. Scroll down to compare scenes photographed shortly after Irma to …
September 5, 2022
Five years after Irma: Private sector leaves goverment far behind
To understand the Virgin Islands’ recovery five years after Hurricane Irma, consider Sopers Hole. The bay — which was devastated by the storm, with yachts turned topsy-turvy and buildings ripped …
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September 5, 2022
EDITORIAL: VI strong, but government recovery far behind
For the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Irma, we asked a handful of residents to grade the territory’s recovery on a scale of one to ten. Their scores averaged nearly seven, …
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August 29, 2022
Five years later, Virgin Gorda sports arena reopens
Nearly five years after Hurricane Irma battered the Anthonie Jeffery Caines Sports Arena in Virgin Gorda, the refurbished facility officially reopened to the public during a Saturday handover ceremony. “This …
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August 11, 2022
UK loan guarantee off the table
Several recovery projects are far behind schedule as the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Irma approaches, but Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said during a Aug. 8 press conference that the …
July 25, 2022
Peter Island mum on re-opening
One of the Virgin Islands’ flagship resorts is still rebuilding five years after Hurricane Irma, but the owners have been tightlipped about its progress. Although Peter Island Resort and Spa …
March 28, 2022
EDITORIAL: Where, oh where, is the new library?
All too frequently in recent months, we have found ourselves writing about another hurricane recovery project that is far behind. This week, it’s the public library. The main branch in …
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January 7, 2022
RDA completed 7 projects in 2021
The Recovery and Development Agency oversaw seven projects last year and is looking to complete more in 2022, including works at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, RDA acting CEO …
December 16, 2021
Arrest of escaped inmate leads to record contraband seizure
After Jennifer Smith directed police to a key for the residence where she was allegedly harbouring her boyfriend, escaped prisoner Jose Almestica, officers searched the apartment and recovered a “plethora” …
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December 10, 2021
After Hurricane Irma, artist found comfort in the birds
The nights following Hurricane Irma were some of the darkest Jill Tattersall could remember. The days were eerily quiet, she said. Living by herself in a ruined condo in Nanny …
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December 9, 2021
First contracts signed for ESHS revamp
Senior Elmore Stoutt High School students will finally be back at their Road Town campus by the start of the next school year, officials promised last Thursday during a contract-signing …
October 24, 2021
Ground floor completed at Road Town fire station
Four years after Hurricane Irma gutted the Road Town fire station, renovation of the ground floor is finished, complementing second-storey repairs carried out in 2019 and bringing the project one …
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September 30, 2021
EDITORIAL: Mental health crises are a big red flag
We were deeply troubled to hear police warn recently that mental health crises are on the rise in the territory after they rescued a hospital patient from the water in …
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September 17, 2021
Premier signs $411,000 CCTV contract
Last Thursday, Premier Andrew Fahie signed a $411,000 contract with FLOW to restore the CCTV system that was destroyed during the hurricanes of 2017, Police Information Officer Diane Drayton announced …
September 6, 2021
EDITORIAL: Four years after Irma, government recovery far behind
The Elmore Stoutt High School. The Isabella Morris Primary School. The Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre. The Road Town library. The West End ferry terminal. The National Emergency Operations Centre. …
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September 6, 2021
Businesses still at forefront of building back
When Hurricane Irma came for the Bitter End Yacht Club, it destroyed nearly 100 buildings across 64 acres. But that didn’t mean that all of the resort was lost, said …
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September 2, 2021
WE ferry terminal tender expected in 6 months
Close collaboration between residents and planners will be key to making sure the design of the new West End ferry terminal fits the community’s needs, residents said during an Aug. …
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September 2, 2021
Housing issues persist four years post-Irma
When Covid-19 hit early last year, many Virgin Islands residents were still living in homes that had not been fully repaired from the damage they sustained during hurricanes Irma and …
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August 25, 2021
Demolition progresses at admin complex
Demolition and waterproofing work has progressed at the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex this year despite complications caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Transportation, Works and Utilities Minister Kye …
August 25, 2021
7 of 9 community centres not ready for storms
Most of the territory’s community centres are not yet fully repaired nearly four years after Hurricane Irma, though two are now ready to serve as emergency shelters following completion of …
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May 17, 2021
Fire station repairs on schedule, Rymer says
Work on the Road Town Fire Headquarters under a $332,000 contract issued on March 2 is on target to be completed by July, according to Transportation, Works and Utilities Minister …
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May 7, 2021
Irma survivors still living in VG centre
Construction is under way at some of the territory’s hurricane-damaged community centres, with an eye toward reviving activities that can take place as the world recovers from the pandemic, Health …
April 22, 2021
Virgin Islands shares Irma lessons with United Nations partners
A Virgin Islands representative recently shared the lessons of Hurricane Irma with delegates from the United Nations and other agencies from across the region. Patlian Johnson, recovery and development cooperation …
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