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The Secretary of State for International Development has visited the British Virgin Islands to understand the reality of the devastation and the humanitarian relief efforts so far.

Secretary of State Rt Hon Priti Patel MP said: “The scene is incredible, just wide scale devastation. Quite frankly it looks like the scene from a horror movie, it’s apocalyptic, it’s stark.”

She went on to describe the “human spirit and sheer determination” that she had seen during her visit already.

In expressing her assessment on the military support to the islands, she said, “British forces have played a remarkable role since the hurricane with Ocean and Mounts Bay. I was on there [HMS Ocean] this morning and the extent of supplies, logistics and coordination is incredible.”

The Secretary of States visit started at the Governors, Gus Jasperts, residence, allowing her to understand the problems and where support was needed from his perspective. She then flew to HMS Ocean, the Royal Navy’s Flag Ship, where she witnessed the crew in action.

The Rt Hon Patel then flew to Jost Van Dyke, a remote island to the North West of the main island of Tortola. Here the party met with Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel loaded with stores, fuel and Royal Marines.

The Rt Hon Priti Patel watched as the team of Royal Marines unloaded the essential stores from the LCVP.  Captain Dan Lauder, Second in Command of Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines was on the ground to ensure the stores reached the right location.

He said, “We have been to Jost Van Dyke many times since the hurricanes to deliver aid and food and to check that security situation. There is an impressive, resilient community here. Despite the island receiving extensive damage in the wake of Irma the people of Jost Van Dyke are remaining positive and working hard to rebuild. It was import the Secretary of State got to witness this community.

The Secretary of State then travelled to the Henry Wilfred ‘Freddie’ Smith Power Station, the British Virgin Islands main source of power production. Here she had a detailed tour of the facilities by Leroy Abraham, the General Manager and Major Tom Lilllyman, Royal Engineers, who has been heavily supporting the power station.

During the visit, Henry Creque, the Deputy General Manager responsible for daily running explained the combined nature of the support he has received since the hurricanes.

He said, “It has been a calibration between the military, British Virgin Islands Electric Corporation, the local government, the utilities companies and the State Disaster Management Authority.”

He continued, “We have all worked together. We meet every morning to discuss the priorities for power, for example the hospital, the main shelter in Road Town and the banks. From complete power outage during the storm to operating at 10% now is testament to the joint work.”

During her tour, the Secretary of State noticed this collaborative effort and stated:

“It’s humbling the way in which everyone has come together and impressive how you have managed to protect key assets”.

In between Irma and Maria, Maj Tom Lillyman and his team managed to protect the vital “buzz bar” from water ingress. This ensured power could be re-established soon after the storm.

 

With the transition from emergency response, understandably with a heavy military contingent, to recovery, the Secretary of States visit is a timely indication that the British Virgin Islands are on the right path. After stabilisation, security and emergency aid supported by British forces, her visit will set the president for follow on governmental support.

Rt Hon Patel finished, “We are shoulder to shoulder with the British people here across these islands.”

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