During a press conference on Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach announced support for islands affected by destructive Hurricane Beryl. The administration is seeking funds from the 35th Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands and has urged residents in the territory to donate to relief efforts.
“I stand before you with a profound sense of duty and compassion as we address the urgent needs of our Caribbean neighbors who have been gravely affected by Hurricane Beryl,” Roach said.
“The administration has requested of the Legislature that we provide relief to the island nations of Grenada, which include Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which includes islands such as Mustique, to aid them as they have been impacted severely by this devastating storm,” Roach continued.
Hurricane Beryl made landfall on July 1 over Grenada’s Carriacou Island as a high-end Category 4 hurricane, and widespread extensive damage has been reported across the region. Beryl has already broken weather records for several reasons, including the hurricane’s intensity and the extremely rapid development of the cyclone so early in the season.
Roach shared condolences and words of encouragement for individuals across the region who have experienced losses due to the ferocious cyclone.
“Homes have been destroyed, communities have been uprooted, and lives have been changed irrevocably,” Roach stated. “Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters who are enduring this unimaginable suffering. In times like these, it is our moral obligation to extend a helping hand and to stand in solidarity with those in need,” he continued.
Roach reminded residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands of the importance of being prepared throughout hurricane season.
“The increasing frequency and unpredictability of hurricanes such as Hurricane Beryl are stark reminders of the growing impact of climate change on our region,” Roach explained. “These severe weather events are not isolated incidents; they are part of a broader pattern that threatens the very fabric of our communities. It is imperative that we as Virgin Islanders remain vigilant and prepared,” he added.
The lieutenant governor advised residents to stay informed and sign up for weather alerts from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, which also provides hurricane preparedness tips. Additional cyclone preparedness information, including details about hurricane insurance for homes, is available on the Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s website.
How to Help Individuals Affected by Beryl
Roach provided details for those who are interested in offering assistance to individuals impacted by the severe storm.
“In addition to the aid that the administration is seeking through the Legislature, those who wish to contribute to this [relief] effort can reach out to Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington at our Tourism Department.” Farrington can be reached at 340-626-1237.
“Let us come together as a community, not only to provide immediate relief but also to reaffirm our commitment to resilience and preparedness. Our strength lies in our unity, and together we can overcome any challenge,” Roach declared.
“We are grateful for the [Legislature’s] support of the administration’s request to provide fiscal relief in the amount of $200,000 to our Caribbean brothers [and sisters] in Grenada… and St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Roach added.
Community Updates
Roach also briefly provided an update regarding the Street Addressing Initiative (SAI), a project undertaken by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. He said that the program is ongoing with a goal of completion “at least by the coming year.”
According to information on the project’s official website, “The SAI will ultimately create a street address for every home, business, and other buildings within the USVI.”
Finally, the lieutenant governor noted that more details regarding tax refunds would be available at the next Government House weekly press briefing.
“I’ll make sure that I consult with the governor so that by the time we [hold] the next press briefing, we will have some updated information about [tax] refunds,” Roach stated.
