UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS (September 8, 2017) – The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has advised that full assessment on the impact of Hurricane Irma is underway and while St. Croix is getting back to business, visitors are being encouraged not to visit the district of St. Thomas and St. John.
In a message to travel partners, Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty expressed thanks for the prayers and support that the U.S. Virgin Islands has received following the Category 5 hurricane, the eye of which passed north of the Territory on Wednesday.
“The island of St. Croix did not receive the full brunt of the storm, and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix receives its first commercial flight (JetBlue Airways from San Juan) today,” the Commissioner advised.
She reported that communications are still limited, there is significant damage to infrastructure in St. Thomas and St. John, and the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas will not be open for commercial traffic before the next weather system passes the area this weekend.
The storm has resulted in four casualties to date on the island of St. Thomas.
“We are deeply saddened that lives have been lost and extend our condolences to the families. To ensure everyone’s safety, we are requesting the postponement of all scheduled visits to St. Thomas and St. John,” the Commissioner implored, advising that there is significant work ahead to help residents of the district.
As a Cruzan I not happy with the way these people treating St Croix me son. St Thomas and St John shat down but these government officials refuse to say St Croix open for business so ah go tell the world.
St Croix suffered minimal damage from the passage of Hurricane Irma. We island open for business. We airport and sea port open to welcome visitors and visitors destined to St Thomas and St John can now divert to St Croix and experience the US Virgin Islands hospitality… So come bask in the Cruzan sun and enjoy the warmth of America’s Caribbean Paradise sipping on Cruzan Rum and Brow Soda while holding yuh chicken leg in your right hand and johnny cake in yuh left hand… AY AY St Croix
Thank you Lord for sparing our nature Isle
It is really shocking what Hurricane Irma brought upon the Leeward Islands and their people.
It has emotionally affected us, people of the Caribbean/West Indies who reside overseas. Our prayers are with you.
I empathize with all who have experienced some sort of inconvenience and hardship when Irma passed.
I sympathize with the families whose loved one died at that time.
May the souls of your departed loved ones rest in peace.
Prayers do not end. We will continue to remember all of you and pray for all who were affected by Hurricane Irma as you try to re-build your homes/businesses/countries.
God bless you and strengthen you in these times. Love and peace!
We are one in the Spirit and they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
RIP to all who lost their lives during Irma’s passage. To the families and societies affected, find comfort in the Lord. He will see you through.
This whole thing is just tough. St. Thomas/ SXM, Barbuda are so badly destroyed, we might as well prepare to house our family and friends who have been affected by Irma. Let us not allow them to face this struggle on their own. Come home if you have to, we are here to help.