Wednesday, January 13 – Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, is asking the public to offer their prayers on behalf of Haiti’s earthquake victims.
The Premier’s message to the public is simple: “We have to come together to help the people of Haiti in whatever way we can.”
The Premier said that the Government will partner with local service organisations like the BVI Red Cross and the Rotary Clubs to launch an appeal for aid from the people of this Territory. The local Haitian Association has also expressed a desire to assist.
“The people of Haiti will remain in my prayers, as I do pray that sufficient relief will be provided soon,” said the Premier.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands, I extend my sincerest condolences to the people of Haiti and their relatives all around the world, and especially here in the Virgin Islands, who would have lost loved ones due to this disaster,” said the Premier. He added, “I was very much saddened to learn of the devastation.”
The Premier also expressed that he is “hopeful that the families and friends of the Haitian populace who reside in the Virgin Islands are safe and secure.”
Honourable O’Neal will issue a formal statement this Friday after meetings between the Premier’s Office and service organisations on what will be the Territory’s official response.
Yesterday afternoon, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti’s capital, Port au Prince, and causing major devastation. According to the United States Geological Survey there were a number of aftershocks in the range of 5.0 after the initial quake; however, no other reports were given of other earthquakes. Reports have indicated that the death toll may be in the thousands. The earthquake has left a reported 3 million in need.
British Virgin Islands News