Gov. Charles W. Turnbull called Radio One at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday to report that all schools and government offices would close at 1 p.m. due to the rapid approach of Hurricane Lenny toward the Virgin Islands. One emergency shelter was reported open as of Tuesday afternoon, and various government offices and other entities announced shut-down and preparation plans.
Turnbull did not say in his mid-day announcement if there would be a curfew imposed or give any information on government preparations. However, later in the afternoon he announced that a territorywide curfew would take effect at 9 p.m.
The emergency shelter at the St. Croix Education Complex was open Tuesday afternoon. Neither the St. Croix office of the American Red Cross nor the St. Croix office of the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency could provide The Source with information on any other shelters that might be opening. Nor could they provide a telephone number for shelter information.
Government payroll checks were issued at noon Tuesday. The V.I. Bankers Association announced that all banks in the territory would close as of 2 p.m. The association executive committee "met Tuesday morning and, at the request of Gov. Turnbull, member banks elected to remain open until 2 p.m. Tuesday to allow employees of the government to cash their paychecks," association president Robert Haines said in a news release.
Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett advised that all libraries in the territory would close at 3 p.m. in order to secure the facilities.
A release from the Human Services Department stated that food stamp recipients who have not collected their November allotments can do so until 3 p.m. Tuesday. Those wanting further information are advised to call 774-2399 on St. Thomas, 773-6050 in Christiansted or 772-0085 in Frederiksted.
The V.I. Hospitality Training School announced it would be closed Tuesday afternoon. The Roulette class scheduled at 2 p.m. and the Blackjack classe for 5 p.m. were cancelled, as well as all classes for Wednesday, Nov. 17.
Port Authority executive director Gordon Finch granted administrative leave to non-essential employees as of noon; essential employees were to work until 5 p.m. unless otherwise directed. Finch also asked operators of light aircraft stationed at the Cyril E. King and Henry E. Rohlsen Airports to secure their planes by tying them down, or to relocate them until weather conditions improve.
The University of the Virgin Islands shut down classes and business opertions on both campuses at 4 p.m. Tuesday. A UVI release said announcement will be made on Thursday as to when the university will reopen. Telephone numbers to call for emergency information are 692-4168 on St. Croix and 693-1016 on St. Thomas.
As of noon, Radio One was reporting predictions that Lenny's eye would be six miles southwest of St. Thomas by 10 a.m. Wednesday morning. Gale force winds are predicted to reach the island by 2 a.m. Wednesday.
For further information on Hurricane Lenny click on the rainbow icon at the top of the menu or click here.
Watch St. Croix Source for updates on closings, openings and changes due to Hurricane Lenny.
