Mr. Speaker, I would just like to take few moments to remind all Virgin Islanders and residents to continue to be vigilant in keeping ahead of the curve as it relates to a weather system that is under development in our region.
Many of us were jolted out of a Sunday routine by a 4.03 magnitude earthquake. The final report from Territory partners at the Puerto Seismic Network indicates that the centre of the earthquake was approximately 32 kilometres north of Road Town, or approximately 20 miles away, and that the strongest shaking was felt by persons on the island of Virgin Gorda.
Residents of the Virgin Islands are urged to urgently carry out seasonal measures to protect their families, homes and businesses with Tropical Storm Gonzalo on the verge of becoming a hurricane in the southern Windward Islands.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has partnered with the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) to create a handbook to help residents incorporate COVID-19 into their seasonal preparedness activities.
Mr. Speaker, the Caribbean Region is about to enter another hurricane season and I would encourage everyone to accelerate their preparations as we anticipate an active season. I certainly recognise the challenges that emerge in our preparations as we continue to grapple with the pandemic and its social and economic impacts. We must always remain vigilant and prepared.
