Good afternoon Public Officers:
As you aware the Territory is currently under a Hurricane Warning. This means we are likely to experience hurricane conditions within the next few hours, with the storm centre passing around 4:00a.m. Tuesday Morning. Public officers are therefore informed that Government offices will close today at Monday, 13th October 2:00p.m., to allow for any last minute preparations to take place.
Public Officers are also asked to monitor ZBVI and other radio stations for information about when to return to work tomorrow. Please note that essential workers, that is to say police officers, fire officers, health care workers, along with the BVI Electricity Corporation, Water and Sewerage, and Public Works teams are to remain on alert, as we continue to monitor the progress of the storm.
Permanent Secretaries and Heads of departments are ask to ensure that offices, vehicles and other Government assets are properly secured before they leave. As we prepare for the approaching storm, it is important to ensure that we take steps to minimise potential damage and facilitate the seamless continuity of operations when we return to office.
I am aware that the Minister of Education has ordered school closure at 1:00 p.m. today and I encourage all supervisors to provide employees the necessary time to collect their children.
I further encourage you to take the necessary steps to safeguard your homes and businesses, as well as to ensure that you have sufficient supplies at home. Continue to monitor the DDM website and Facebook page as well as media outlets for continued updates on the progress of Tropical Storm Gonzalo.
I wish you continued safety, and God be with us all!
