Gov. Charles W. Turnbull says the territory wholeheartedly accepts the offer put forward by Hovensa officials over the weekend to assist with the repairs to the broken sections of the Frederiksted pier.
And the chief executive remains optimistic that the temporary repairs will be completed by Wednesday, in time for the anticipated arrival of the Carnival Destiny cruise ship.
"Sint Maarten suffered severe damage," the governor said, "and while our hearts go out to them, we want to encourage and welcome cruise ship arrivals to St. Croix. Many ships were planned for Sint Maarten, but we want to be able to welcome them here."
The governor, speaking at a V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency briefing this weekend, hailed Hovensa's decision to offer assistance in repairing the broken concrete slabs which connect the edge of the dock to the first underwater column that extends out to sea.
"We welcome their assistance, and Hovensa is certainly the type of corporate citizen we need during these critical times," Turnbull said.
Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II has estimated Hurricane Lenny's damages to the territory at about $31 million based on initial damage assessment reports.
