Local News
Slow Start to Hurricane Season Offers Window for Preparedness, BVI Officials Say
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet so far, but officials in the British Virgin Islands are urging residents not to take the calm for granted.
Jasen Penn, Director of the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), said this early lull presents a valuable opportunity for the public to prepare for storms that may develop rapidly later in the season.
“If we look back, Beryl was an example of a system that went from a tropical depression to a hurricane in just 48 hours,” Mr. Penn said during an appearance on the Virgin Islands Voice programme. He noted that previous storms, including Hurricanes Irma and Maria, also underwent rapid intensification before impacting the region.
Mr. Penn attributed the lack of early-season storm activity in part to frequent incursions of Saharan dust, which has reduced atmospheric moisture and helped suppress tropical cyclone formation. However, he warned that those conditions are expected to change.
“Early season activity has been concentrated in the southern Caribbean,” he said. “But as the season progresses, changing wind patterns and ocean currents increase the likelihood of systems taking a northern track.”
In addition to meteorological developments, Mr. Penn pointed to a recent change in satellite monitoring capabilities. The United States has officially ended the Defence Meteorological Satellite Program, which had provided critical structural data to forecasters at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.
“They assisted with gathering detailed data on storm intensity, location of the centre, and development,” Mr. Penn said, describing the satellites’ role. Although other tools — including the GOES satellites and Hurricane Hunter aircraft — remain in use, the loss of the older program could introduce a greater margin of error in forecasts, he added.
“All this should drive us to be even more rigorous in our efforts to prepare,” Mr. Penn said.
Residents are being encouraged to update emergency plans, assemble supply kits, and ensure access to multiple channels for receiving emergency alerts. For guidance on preparedness at home or at work, the public can contact the Department of Disaster Management at ddm@gov.vg or by calling 468-4200.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30.
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
