Local News
Hurricane Erin Strengthens as It Moves Toward Northern Leeward Islands
— Tropical Cyclone Alert Issued
Hurricane Erin was about 400 miles east of the British Virgin Islands on Friday evening, according to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, which issued a tropical cyclone alert for Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the British Virgin Islands.
The 8 p.m. Eastern Caribbean Time advisory on Aug. 15 reported Erin’s center near latitude 19.4 north and longitude 58.5 west, moving west-northwest at 17 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds were 85 m.p.h., with higher gusts, and forecasters said the system is expected to strengthen rapidly into a major hurricane over the weekend.
The forecast track projects Erin will pass northeast and then north of the islands, lowering the chance of storm-force winds. Officials cautioned, however, that any shift could bring the core closer late Friday into Sunday.
Swells generated by Erin are expected to deteriorate marine conditions, and mariners were advised to remain in port and secure vessels. Rainfall amounts of two to four inches are possible, raising the risk of flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Outer rainbands could also produce heavy rainfall, strong gusty winds, and hazardous surf.
A tropical cyclone alert means a storm is within the monitored area but not close enough for a watch or warning to be issued. Residents across the affected islands were urged to monitor updates and prepare for possible impacts.
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
