Local News
Tropical Storm Andrea Forms in Atlantic; No Threat to BVI, Say Officials
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) confirmed Tuesday that Tropical Storm Andrea, the first named system of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, does not pose a direct threat to the Virgin Islands. The storm, located approximately 1,580 miles north-northeast of the Territory, is moving east-northeast at 17 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.
Although Andrea remains far out in the open Atlantic and is expected to dissipate within the next 24 hours, its formation signals the beginning of active tropical development in the region.
“This is a timely reminder that the Atlantic hurricane season is underway,” the DDM noted in its latest advisory. “Residents and visitors should use this opportunity to review and refresh their preparedness plans.”
While no watches or warnings are in effect for the Territory, officials encouraged the public to remain alert and take precautionary steps. Recommended actions include securing important documents in waterproof containers or backing them up digitally, staying informed through official channels such as the DDM App and WhatsApp alerts, and monitoring real-time conditions via the WeatherStem station at bvi.weatherstem.com/tortola.
The DDM reiterated that although it is not a meteorological authority, its weather information is sourced from contracted professionals and regional partners. The department emphasized that its advisories are for general guidance and should not be used for legal or financial decision-making.
Tropical Storm Andrea formed over unusually warm waters in the northern Atlantic between Bermuda and the Azores, well north and east of typical early-season development zones. According to the National Hurricane Center, Andrea is expected to be short-lived.
The 2025 hurricane season is forecast to be above average, with up to 10 hurricanes predicted, including as many as five major storms. Upper atmospheric wind conditions and Saharan dust have so far contributed to a slow start, but forecasters caution that conditions are likely to become more favorable for storm formation as the season progresses.
Residents are advised to continue monitoring updates from the DDM and the National Hurricane Center.
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
