US VIRGIN ISLANDS – Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach addressed the Virgin Islands community during a briefing from Government House on St. Croix today, where he announced a relief effort being spearheaded by the Government of the Virgin Islands in cooperation with the Department of Tourism. The Hurricane Beryl Relief Effort seeks to aid those most affected by Hurricane Beryl, which left a trail of destruction in Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the island communities of the Eastern Caribbean.
“Today I stand before you with a profound sense of duty and compassion as we address the urgent needs of our Caribbean neighbors who have been gravely affected by Hurricane Beryl,” Lt. Governor Roach said.
The Bryan-Roach Administration has requested $200,000 from the VI Legislature to support a humanitarian effort to provide much-needed aid and relief supplies to the people of Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as communities in the Eastern Caribbean affected by Hurricane Beryl.
Hurricane Beryl has proved to be an immense hardship for countless families, Lt. Governor Roach said. “Homes have been destroyed, communities have been uprooted and lives have been changed irrevocably,” he said.
Lt. Governor Roach urged all Virgin Islands residents to sign up for Alert VI and to stay informed about preparedness tips by visiting VITEMA.VI.GOV.
Severe weather events are evidence of a pattern of unpredictable climate change, which brings elevated temperatures, increased rainfall, and more frequent and intense hurricanes .
“In times like these it is our moral obligation to extend a helping hand and to stand in solidarity with those in need,” Lt. Governor Roach said. “Our strength lies in our unity and together we can weather any challenge.”
He stressed that hurricane preparedness tips are readily available on the VITEMA.vi.gov website, as well as storm tracking.
In addition to aid received from the 35th Legislature, Lt. Governor Roach said individuals can reach out to the Department of Tourism, where Deputy Commissioner Roseanne Farrington can be contacted to coordinate assistance with the relief effort. Ms. Farrington can be reached at 340-626-1237.
He urged the listening public to stay vigilant, stay alert and to sign up for VITEMA Alerts and to monitor information provided by the Office of the Lt. Governor.
The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure, and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government, and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov
# # #