Pastor Gary Moore Appointed Territory’s Voluntary Agency Liaison

The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) has appointed Gary Moore, pastor of St. Croix Christian Church, to serve as voluntary agency liaison. Above, Mr. Moore and his wife, Alicia.

Mr. Moore will work with the Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs) that have formed on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. Members of the groups include faith- and community-based organizations and nongovernmental partners. Their mission is to aid survivors of Hurricanes Irma and Maria who have unmet needs after receiving all other assistance for which they are eligible.

The pastor brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having led the LTRG on St. Croix, according to the release.

“Pastor Moore’s leadership and ability to effectively plan and deploy voluntary efforts for preparedness, response and recovery will greatly enhance our territory’s work with faith-based organizations and long-term recovery groups,” said VITEMA Director Mona L. Barnes.

The recovery groups are not yet operating at full strength, but they are beginning to help Virgin Islanders remove debris, feed their families, access health care, remove mold, make repairs to their homes and fulfill other unmet needs. FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Liaison specialists are providing the groups technical support.