BVI promises assistance for Ike-ravaged Turks and Caicos

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos - MY Government stands ready to assist in any way that we can to make your restoration efforts a little easier. 

These are the words of the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, the Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, which he expressed in a letter to the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dr. Michael Misick, a couple of days ago.

Sometime last week, Hurricane Ike, which at one point was a Category 4 storm, left a trail of destruction after passing over the islands and, since then, the Turks and Caicos Islands has been working to return the country to a state of normalcy.

According to a press release from the Government Information Service (GIS) in the BVI, Premier O’Neal, in his letter, expressed concern over the devastation which the hurricane left in its wake and indicated, however, that he was thankful as there was no loss of lives.

“On behalf of my Government and the people of the Virgin Islands (U.K.), I wish to convey our concern over the devastation your Territory experienced this past weekend from the wrath of Hurricane Ike...I am pleased to learn, however, that there were no deaths but I am indeed sorry to hear of the many families who suffered loss of their homes and possessions. My Government stands ready to assist in any way that we can to make your restoration efforts a little easier,” quotes the GIS.

In addition to the assistance pledged by Premier O’Neal to the Turks and Caicos Islands, he wished the people a quick recovery and promised to utter prayers on their behalf.

“I pray God’s protection upon your Territory during your recovery phase, which I hope would be a speedy one...the people of this Territory will keep the Government and people of the Turks and Caicos in our prayers,” the release said.

It also informs that O’Neal expressed hope that the islands would be spared from “the wrath” of other hurricanes during the hurricane season.