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ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The State of Emergency called by Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert a day after Hurricane Irma devastated the Virgin Islands on September 6, 2017 will end at midnight, however, the curfew will remain in place until Government sees it necessary to lift.
This was disclosed at a joint press conference called by Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert and Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) at Ritter House in Wickham’s Cay II today, October 5, 2017.
According to Governor Jaspert, the State of Emergency was also put in place largely to have a curfew following Hurricane Irma.
He said that throughout the State of Emergency the priority was on rebuilding government and decisions were taken with cabinet and the ministers responsible for their areas.
“My intention is to end the State of Emergency as soon as possible,” said Governor Jaspert, adding that to do this Cabinet agreed that a separate act to enable the curfew to continue was needed as the territory pushes to restore vital services.
“Subject to that the aim is to move out of the state of emergency later this week,” Governor Jaspert stated.
It ends midnight!
Interestingly, however, Premier Smith said, while fielding questions from reporters, that the State of Emergency will end at midnight since the Curfew Act was expected to be passed in the House of Assembly today. The Sitting was held at the Save The Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom.
He said the curfew would be prolonged to facilitate law and order and make businesses feel safe.
The Curfew Act, Premier Smith explained, is for a curfew to be put in place without having a State of Emergency.