The adverse weather conditions currently affecting the British Virgin Islands have impacted the operations of several businesses, organisations and schools, prompting closures, postponements and delays in opening.
Government Offices
All government offices will be physically closed except for essential workers.
The Office of the Deputy Governor issued a circular to all public officers informing them of the decision, noting that all departments are to activate the Full Remote Learning policy.
Senior Managers and Department Heads were also asked to activate Office Contingency Plans and secure all offices.
Banks
The BVI Bank Association announced that the Bank of Asia and VP Bank (BVI) will remain closed to the public today but will conduct some services remotely.
However, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Banco Popular and Republic Bank (BVI) will tentatively open to the public at 12:00 p.m. with limited branch services, subject to an ongoing assessment of the weather.
Airport
The Terrance B Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island remains functional, however, the runway is closed due to the weather conditions which is impacting visibility.
Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority Kurt Menal provided the update, noting that airlines are consequently impacted as a result.
“We are paying attention to official weather updates and monitoring the evolving situation,” Menal stated.
He also informed that the airport’s Operations Department is in contact with the respective airlines.
BVI Ports Authority
The BVI Ports Authority has informed the public of the closure of its offices.
In a bulletin, it informed residents that cargo collection is limited and will close off at 1:00 p.m. for both Port Purcell and Virgin Gorda.
All ferry ports remain open at this time.
Ferry Service
Speedy’s Ferry Service announced an adjustment in their schedule for today.
The regular Road Town service has been cancelled but the company informed its customers that the Beef Island service will operate its regular schedule with adjustments made to the final trip.
To facilitate those affected by the cancellation, Speedy’s announced a complimentary bus ride from Road Town at 12:00 p.m. that will connect with the 1:00 p.m. Beef Islands boat.
The final trip from Virgin Gorda will be 5:30 p.m. and the last boat from Beef Island will depart at 6:30 p.m.
Public Schools
All public schools in the British Virgin Islands have been ordered closed.
The Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe, issued the notice to parents and staff this morning, emphasizing that the directive follows advice from the Department of Disaster Management.
“This decision is to ensure the safety of our students and staff as heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to impact the territory throughout the day,” Mrs. Crabbe stated in her letter.
In light of the closure, Mrs. Crabbe urged students and teachers to remain at home. She also highlighted that to ensure continued learning, teachers are required to issue assignments via online platforms.
As a result of the closures, CXC and CSEC examinations have also been postponed.
BVI Business Banking Expo
The Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade informed the public that the BVI Business Banking Expo, which was scheduled today at the Treasure Isle Restaurant, has been postponed
Further notice on the new scheduled date of the Expo is forthcoming.
For additional information, persons are asked to contact the ministry at 468-2112 or the Department of Trade at 468-2008.
Telecommunications Providers
CCT announced the delayed opening of its flagship store in Road Town which will commence operations at 12:00 p.m. and noted that its Virgin Gorda and Pier Park stores are currently open.
Customers were also reminded of CCT’s 24-hour Call Centre service (444-4444) for all inquiries.