Daryl Jaschen, director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, said Monday that although the peak hurricane season has passed, the actual season continues through November and possible storm formation is being monitored this week.
“Invest 94 Lima is moving across the Atlantic on a path projected towards the northern Lesser Antilles happening towards the end of this week,” he said. “The disturbance is currently located halfway between the Windward Islands and West Africa and is producing organized shower activity.”
The circulation has become better organized and conditions are conducive to development, not within the next two days, but within the next seven days, Jaschen said. The system is projected to move north to northwesterly and residents should be prepared and stay informed.
Again, the heat index for the territory is high, according to the director, and an advisory was issued Monday by the National Weather Service in Puerto Rico – temperatures will feel like 112-114 degrees throughout the Virgin Islands. Again, people should stay hydrated and out of the sun and heat as much as possible to avoid heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Jaschen announced the annual “Great Shake Out” earthquake drill will begin at 10:19 on Oct. 19. People should drop, cover and hold for 60 seconds. So far, almost 18,000 people and 13,000 students have registered to participate.
Richard Motta, Government House communications director, had several announcements. The governor is searching for an executive director of school construction and maintenance to manage the rebuilding and repairs to the territory’s schools for the next few years. Requirements include a B.S. in engineering, architecture or construction with four years experience in construction management or eight years supervisory experience, a background in vocational or building trades and a high school diploma. Interested people should contact Government House at governmenthouse@go.vi.gov.
According to Motta, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met recently with representatives from the V.I. Water and Power Authority and news on a buy-out of the Vitol contract will be decided/announced soon. Additionally, news about the recent reports of high mineral content found in WAPA water would come soon from WAPA.
Also speaking at the weekly Government House briefing was Beresford Edwards, president of the V.I National Guard Association, who served VING for 32 years. Edwards announced the military ball on St. Thomas at Frenchman’s Reef. The event is Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. and tickets are $125 each. Keynote speakers will be Brig. General Deborah Howell (retired) and Maj. Gen. Jeth Ray.
