Category 5 Hurricane Irma struck during the daylight hours of Wednesday, September 6, 2017. It caused widespread destruction, and killed a total of four people. The eye of the hurricane travelled over the three major islands in the group: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost van Dyke.

A bulletin from Government Information Service (GIS) has indicated that there will be a number of reflections comprising of videos, interviews, statements, reflective quotes from leaders and reflections from a cross-section of the Virgin Islands community.

Beginning this morning, statements will be delivered by Governor John J. Rankin, CMG and Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) at 8:30 am and 9:00 am respectively.

Community involvement is invited via social media where persons are encouraged throughout the day to finish the sentence: “HURRICANE IRMA 2017 TAUGHT ME…”, and while using hashtags: #Irmalessons, #Irmareflection and #Irma2017taughtme.

VI recovered largely without UK help

Meanwhile, taking stock of the road to recovery from the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, at the start of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Premier Wheatley on June 1, 2022, said he is proud of the progress the Virgin Islands (VI) has made.

The VI’s recovery has been mainly due to its own efforts since it has not been able to take any major loans for recovery, due to the reported “trappings” of the Protocol for Effective Financial Management (PfEFM) designed by the United Kingdom.

The UK offered the VI a £300m loan guarantee; however, this was rejected by successive governments since the UK refused to adjust borrowing guidelines in the PfEFM to allow the VI to take out a significant amount of loans without violating the protocols.

Premier Wheatley said the VI people should take pride that they have not only survived that unprecedented impact, but came through it wiser and stronger, and “we are working together to have truly built back a better Virgin Islands.”

Beginning this morning, statements will be delivered by the Governor H.E. John J. Rankin and Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) at 8:30 and 9:00 am respectively to start the day of activities.

A wave of destruction caused by Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017.

A wave of destruction caused by Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017.

Still recovering from the destruction of Hurricanes Irma and Maria of 2007, the Virgin Islands will today, Tuesday, September 6, 2022, mark the 5th Anniversary of the landfall of Hurricane Irma on the territory and the Government is inviting the community to join in reflecting and looking ahead as the day is observed.