With the Atlantic Hurricane Season this year predicted to be very active and the Region also grappling with COVID-19, Governor Augustus J. U Jaspert said it will be an unprecedented challenge and that the United Kingdom (UK) is discussing ‘extra resilience’ support.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts on June 1, 2020, and ends on November 30, 2020.

Stating that the UK is ready to support, Governor Jaspert said the navy ship, RFA Argus, has already been deployed to the Caribbean with immediate relief capabilities and supplies and it will be stationed in the Region throughout the season.

“We are also discussing further support to bring extra resilience, should we require it given the added risk this year of tackling a storm and COVID-19 simultaneously,” the Governor said in a statement today, May 13, 2020.

Governor Jaspert, however, did not explain what form the extra support could take.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said his Government is particularly interested in economic support rather than military support as the UK is often more inclined to give to the Overseas Territories.

Don't get distracted by COVID-19

Meanwhile, Governor Jaspert warned the Territory to not be distracted by COVID-19 pandemic in this 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

"Early forecasts indicate that this season will be more active than the statistical average, although as we know already, it only takes one storm on our shores to have serious impacts," Governor Jaspert said.

'Thankfully, the work of Government in preparing for hurricane season has not stopped either, and Cabinet remains focused on this agenda alongside COVID-19. The public service has also been busy making preparations as part of our annual readiness assessment."

The Governor also said preparations have begun at the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), which is collaborating with other ministries and departments to serve the Territory during any potential crisis.

It was also noted that- in the coming weeks- Government will continue to share advice and information and engage the community across websites, social media channels and through the DDM to help with preparatory works.