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The threat of winds and rains associated with Hurricane Earl on the Virgin Islands both on Monday and Tuesday has made it necessary to adjust operations of the Virgin Islands Government and the opening of public schools in the territory. Lt. Governor Gregory Francis and I have spent the last two days in regular contact with VITEMA, the National Weather Service and advance teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as we have tracked this weather system and analyzed its potential impact on the Virgin Islands.
Following the most recent update on the storm’s track, which remains quite uncertain, and given the threat of gusty winds and rainfall across the Virgin Islands on Monday, I’ve decided to postpone the opening of public schools in the two island districts and shorten the government workday on Monday, August 30. All public schools in the two districts will remain closed to students on Monday, however, all professionals, including teachers, administrators, as well as all support staff, are required to report at their usual time to assist in securing the respective school campuses. Also, I have decided that given the latest forecast which projects increasing inclement weather Monday afternoon, the Virgin Islands government will operate from 8 am – 12pm on Monday, August 30. Employees are required to report at their usual time to assist in securing their workplace, however, those deemed to be non-essential will be dismissed at mid-day.
Residents and visitors should spend Monday taking the necessary steps to secure their family and property. As of now, we anticipate several hours of gusty winds and rain across the Virgin Islands. The wind, in some locations, will be of tropical storm force with higher gusts. I encourage everyone to stay tuned to the latest weather information from the media and from VITEMA until Hurricane Earl has safely passed the territory.
Also, as a precaution, I have authorized the Department of Human Services to open emergency shelters on each island at 10 a.m. Monday. The locations are: St. Croix Educational Complex, the Knud Hansen Complex on St. Thomas and the Julius Sprauve School in Cruz Bay and the Moravian Church in Coral Bay, St. John.
On Sunday, I also authorized the Commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs to enact a price freeze and restricted sales order consistent with the department’s mission of protecting Virgin Islands consumers. As of Sunday, prices are frozen at existing levels on all foods, general supplies and services.
I can assure each of you that the government is prepared to activate all of its emergency response mechanisms should the threat from Hurricane Earl intensify. I urge everyone to continue praying for the protection of our islands from this and other natural disasters.
May God Bless and Protect You and the Virgin Islands.
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