Local News
BVI On Shutdown as Tropical Storm Philippe Strikes
Government buildings, schools and businesses are closed on Wednesday due to Tropical Storm Philippe which continues to bring heavy downpours across the British Virgin Islands.
The territory is currently under a flash-flood warning, which will remain in effect throughout October 4.
The government has issued a statement advising residents to exercise caution as thunderstorms, flash flooding, and strong winds are expected throughout the day.
“The Virgin Islands is under a flash-flood warning. As Tropical Storm Phillipe continues to affect the Territory, thunderstorms, flash flooding and strong winds are expected throughout the day,” a government statement said.
Tropical Storm Philippe, which originated over 10 days ago in the Atlantic Ocean, is projected to bring significant rainfall, potentially reaching up to a foot, across the territory and certain parts of the Leeward Islands.
Having made landfall on Barbuda on Monday, October 2, the storm is currently centred approximately 120 miles northeast of St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. Peak winds are estimated to be around 45 mph.
Residents are strongly urged to remain indoors and be mindful of the life-threatening rip currents occurring along portions of the Atlantic coasts of the northern Leeward Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico throughout the middle of this week.
Philippe is the 16th named storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season and the 17th to achieve tropical storm status.
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Local News
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.
According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.
“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.
Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
