Good evening to the people of the Virgin Islands 

I would like to reassure you that the Governor and I have been watching Tropical Storm Philippe carefully in recent days, and that the Government has been putting measures in place to prepare for the possibility of impacts on our shores. 

With a Tropical Storm Watch issued, there is a very real possibility that we in the Virgin Islands may see 4-8 inches of rain and wind speeds up to 30 miles per hour as Tropical Storm Philippe’s long tail passes near us tonight and into tomorrow.

While no forecast is a guarantee, let us take this information as a reason to collectively take caution. Persons in low-lying areas where flooding is common should protect their property. All of us should closely monitor the updates coming from our Department of Disaster Management. If we do need to take any further action, information will be shared via all available channels.

To those of you who have already reviewed your emergency plans and assembled your supplies, I applaud you. I also extend a special thank you to those who have taken steps to assist their neighbours and villages with clearing waste or other preparedness measures. You set an example we should all strive to follow.

Indeed, we are in that period of the Atlantic Hurricane Season when storms are most likely to form, so we all need to do our part to stay informed and be ready.  

Thank you.