The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) is actively working to address these challenges. A deep cleaning has been conducted, and concerns about mold have been resolved. However, the reopening has been further delayed as the clinic awaits critical AC parts not available locally. Some components have already arrived, and once all parts are in hand, BVIHSA’s electrical technicians will work swiftly to restore the system and resume full services.

Officials are hopeful that the clinic will reopen next week, with further updates to be provided as the situation develops.

In the meantime, the BVIHSA is making every effort to ensure that the interruption of care is minimised for the Virgin Gorda community. Services have been temporarily relocated to the 2nd Floor of the Vanterpool Administrative Building in the Valley, Virgin Gorda, with operating hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Residents can contact the temporary clinic at (284) 440-1661.

Home care services continue uninterrupted for residents of the North Sound community. For emergencies after 4:30 PM, residents are advised to call (284) 340-2045.

The BVIHSA apologises for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing closure and appreciates the community’s patience as efforts to restore full services continue. The authority remains committed to resuming operations as swiftly as possible.

Contact Information:

• Temporary Location: 2nd Floor, Vanterpool Administrative Building, The Valley, Virgin Gorda
• Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Contact: (284) 440-1661
• After-Hours Emergencies: (284) 340-2045

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Flow technicians have made significant progress, restoring connectivity to mobile sites in Virgin Gorda North, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada. Efforts are ongoing on Tortola, particularly at the Chalwell and Long Swamp Fiber Distribution Points. These crucial hubs serve broadband customers in regions including Great Mountain, Spooners Estate, Cane Garden Bay, Chalwell, and Fat Hog’s Bay to the Airport.

Restoration work is also advancing in Virgin Gorda, with focus areas being North Sound and the Valley.

“We understand the importance of connectivity for our customers in resuming their daily lives and we thank them for their patience during this restoration phase,” said Nadia A. James, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Flow. “We are committed to restoring connectivity and having most of our broadband customers back online before the weekend.”

James further explained that the company’s priority is to swiftly repair the main fiber distribution points, which should automatically restore internet services in affected communities. Once these critical repairs are completed, technicians will focus on investigating individual customer faults as they are reported.

Flow customers experiencing service interruptions due to the storm or ongoing recovery efforts are encouraged to report issues via WhatsApp at 1284-544-4444 for Tortola or 1284-544-0189 for Virgin Gorda. Reports can be made Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and to the Regional Customer Care Team at 1800-804-2994 from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. Customers are advised to provide their account information when making a report.

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Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley in a statement today, August 14,  provided an update on the recovery operations.

“I hope and pray you have all made it safely through the worst of Ernesto,” Premier Wheatley said, underscoring the seriousness of the storm’s impact. He confirmed that crews from the Public Works Department, the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), and telecommunications providers are actively working to clear the roads and restore essential services.

The Premier also acknowledged the critical role of district representatives and heavy equipment operators who have been instrumental in assisting their communities during this challenging time. “I acknowledge the district representatives and the heavy equipment operators who are assisting their communities at this time,” he noted.

As the Territory begins to recover, Premier Wheatley urged residents to prioritize safety by remaining indoors until an official all-clear is given. “Please protect your safety and the safety of our essential workers and allow these crews time to do their work,” he advised.

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) is expected to convene shortly to assess the situation further and coordinate ongoing efforts. Premier Wheatley assured the public that additional updates would be provided following the NEOC’s meeting.

Reflecting on the collective resilience of the Virgin Islands, the Premier offered words of gratitude and hope. “We are grateful to God for His protection. May His love and mercy be our shelter throughout the remainder of this Hurricane season,” he concluded.

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Early Wednesday morning, August 14, Ernesto was upgraded to a hurricane by the National Hurricane Center as it moved through the Atlantic Ocean north of Puerto Rico. The upgrade occurred around 11:00 AM local time when Ernesto’s maximum sustained winds reached 75 mph, as forecasters had predicted. The storm is expected to strengthen further, potentially becoming a major hurricane in the next couple of days.

As of 11:00 AM AST (1500 UTC), Hurricane Ernesto was positioned near latitude 20.5 North and longitude 67.6 West, approximately 175 miles (280 km) northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and around 835 miles (1340 km) south-southwest of Bermuda. The storm is currently moving northwest at 16 mph (26 km/h), with a turn toward the north-northwest and then north expected later today and tonight. The storm is forecasted to continue a generally northward motion at a slower pace through Saturday.

Ernesto’s maximum sustained winds have increased to 75 mph (120 km/h), with higher gusts reported, and the storm’s minimum central pressure has dropped to 991 mb (29.27 inches), signalling further intensification. Hurricane-force winds now extend up to 35 miles (55 km) from the storm’s center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach out as far as 230 miles (370 km).

The forecast track indicates that Ernesto will continue to move away from Puerto Rico today, gradually shifting across the western Atlantic over the next few days. The hurricane is expected to approach Bermuda by Friday and Saturday, potentially strengthening further as it progresses.

For residents in the affected areas, the combination of heavy rainfall and strong winds presents a serious threat. The persistent rains are likely to lead to significant flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and regions already saturated from previous downpours. Flooding could become widespread and severe, prompting local authorities to urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared.

The U.S. and British Virgin Islands, along with Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra, are advised to continue monitoring the situation closely, heed all warnings, and take necessary precautions to protect life and property. As Ernesto advances, the situation remains fluid, and updates from the National Hurricane Center and local disaster management agencies will be critical for ensuring safety.

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The storm has plunged the territory into darkness, with powerful gusts and substantial rainfall affecting the region.

Governor Daniel Pruce had previously activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at Level 1, the initial monitoring phase in response to the approaching storm. Residents were advised to complete their storm preparations by this afternoon and to remain sheltered as Ernesto approached.

Ernesto is expected to bring severe weather overnight, including high wind gusts and continued heavy rainfall. At 5:00 PM AST (2100 UTC), the centre of Tropical Storm Ernesto was located approximately 45 miles east-southeast of Road Town, near latitude 18.0 North and longitude 64.1 West. The storm is currently moving towards the west-northwest at 18 mph (30 km/h) and is forecast to strengthen further over the next 24 hours.

The storm’s projected path indicates it will pass near or over the Virgin Islands this evening, moving just to the northeast and north of Puerto Rico tonight and into Wednesday. Ernesto is expected to continue over the western Atlantic later in the week and approach Bermuda by Friday.

In addition to heavy rainfall, a storm surge is anticipated to raise water levels by one to three feet above normal tide levels, with large, destructive waves along the coast creating hazardous conditions. Life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents are also expected.

The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has highlighted the importance of stocking up on essential supplies and securing homes and properties. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services have issued a tropical storm warning for the Virgin Islands.

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The stores will close at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, 13 August, with a provisional reopening scheduled for Thursday, 15 August, depending on the impact of the storm.

Flow is advising customers to make use of various digital channels for essential services during the closure. These include:

• The Regional Customer Care Centre: 1800-804-2994
• Flow’s official website: discoverflow.co
• The FLOW Top Up App
• The My Flow App
• External kiosks at Flow’s Flagship store in Road Town and the Virgin Gorda Store, which will remain operational.

To assist customers during the storm, Flow is offering a special promotion for prepaid users. By activating a 7-day or 30-day Always On Combo plan, customers will receive bonus minutes and texts, along with 100 local minutes and 3X data, valid for two days. Furthermore, Flow has assured its broadband and postpaid customers that they will not face disconnections during this period. Payments can still be made through external kiosks, FastPay, My FLOW App, CIBC, and Republic Bank.

Flow initiated its emergency procedures on Sunday, 11 August, taking steps to safeguard its employees and infrastructure. The company remains committed to keeping customers connected throughout the storm where possible.

Further updates on operations will be provided by Thursday, 15 August, after the storm has passed. Once conditions are deemed safe, Flow will inform the public when normal business operations will resume.

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