UPDATE 2: The curfew has now been lifted on St. Croix, clearing the territory’s residents and businesses to move ahead with regularly activities.
UPDATE 1: Governor Mapp has lifted the curfew for the St. Thomas-St. John district as of 8:00 this morning, according to a VITEMA press release.
Earlier…
ST. THOMAS — At 11:00pm on Thursday night, Governor Kenneth Mapp declared a State of Emergency in the Virgin Islands, according to a press release Government House issued.
In addition, the Governor, in order to protect the lives and property of the residents and visitors, imposed a curfew across the territory, froze consumer prices at their current levels, deputized all territorial peace officers and placed each of them under the direct supervision of the Police Commissioner and activated the Virgin Islands national Guard, placing the Guard into Territorial Military Service., the press release further stated.
The Governor determined that these actions were necessary after being briefed by the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works and the Executive Director of the VI Water and Power Authority that trees, poles and electrical lines were down across the Virgin Islands. In addition, the Police Commissioner reported that under the cover of darkness, two drive by shootings have occurred.
The Governor’s order imposes an immediate curfew across the territory until 5:00 pm Friday August 28th, 2015 or until such time the safety of residents are secure. The Governor noted that more rain and wind gusts was expected through 4:00 a.m. today, accordingly, conditions in the territory will only worsen, said the Governor.
The State of Emergency also freezes prices throughout the Territory. The Commissioner of the Department of licensing and Consumer has been directed to enforce this provision of the declaration of emergency.
“All peace officers are hereby deputized as law enforcement officers of the Virgin Islands specifically to perform public safety functions as required by the Governor during this state of emergency and shall immediately report to the Commissioner of Police, or his or her designated representative on each island to perform as the Police Commissioner shall direct”, ordered the Governor.
“As Commander in Chief, I have ordered the Virgin Islands National Guard into Territorial Active Military Service, said the Governor. The Adjutant General shall mobilize such units of the Guard as are necessary to maintain public order and guarantee the safety of life and property of our residents and visitors alike,” said the Governor.
At mid-morning on August 28th, Governor Mapp will lead a team, making an aerial assessment of the conditions of all of the Virgin Islands. “I am asking our residents and visitors to remain indoors and off the public roadways while we clear, repair and restore safe conditions in the territory.
I thank all of our dedicated employees for their hard work and sacrifice away from home during this difficult period. In the end, we will be fine, the Governor said. In the meantime, stay home, stay dry and stay safe,” the Governor concluded.
Tags: governor kenneth mapp, state of emergency virgin islands
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