The Virgin Islands community is urged to assist the Public Works Department (PWD) in its cleanup campaign following the damage caused by Tropical Storm Phillipe.

 Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer in his statement at the Fifth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, said that Tropical Storm Phillipe brought approximately eight (8) inches of rain that caused overwhelming amounts of mud and debris being directed into ghuts and waterways. He said fallen trees, boulders, and mud have also blocked roads and drains across the Territory.

Honourable Rymer said, “The Public Works Department has been actively responding to the aftermath of the storm and torrential rainfall thereafter. Their response team has been working tirelessly in each district, focusing on clearance and preparatory efforts to ensure the safety of residents and minimise property damage. I take this time to acknowledge the staff of the PWD for their dedication and hard work in these challenging times.”

Honourable Rymer added, “To aid in rapid response and relief, we have also involved each District Representative to take ownership of their communities along with an assigned member of the public works team to address any related issues from the storm. This approach will ensure that no area is left out and that every community receives the necessary remedial attention.”

Honourable Rymer urged the public to assist the PWD by sending pictures of damages to the department. He said, “In order to address the ongoing clean-up efforts and prepare for future weather events, we kindly request the public's assistance. We encourage everyone to be our eyes and ears by sending pictures of blocked drains, ghuts, undermined roads, and any other related issues to the Public Works Department’s email address at pwd@gov.vg. Your contributions will greatly help us in identifying areas that may have been missed and prioritise our response accordingly.”

The Minister’s full statement can be viewed on the Government of the Virgin Islands website at www.bvi.gov.vg.

The Public Works Department continues to provide a safe, practical, efficient, economically and environmentally sound infrastructure that is well designed, constructed and maintained in accordance to recognised regional and international codes and standards and is in harmony with the Territory's social and economic goals..