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by pltm
(PLTM) - There have been some concerns about getting supplies into the BVI, by organizations and individuals, who have round up items to donate.
However, the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is reminding persons to follow the procedure.
"A big request if anyone in Tortola who is getting this video can you please get a message to someone in Government, for the BVI Governor Gus Jaspert or Orlando Smith, the Premier, or somebody else to give us the information in Puerto Rico on how do we get this aid in," Sam Branson, son of Sir Richard Branson lamented in an Instagram post.
He added, "At the moment aid is being refused to the BVI. It is a disgrace, it should not be refused, the people need this aid. We understand that there needs to be coordination...but we need information."
However, hours later, Branson posted that the word got out, and they were eventually able to get the aid into the BVI.
"I now know of 4 aid boats that have been cleared by DDM and either turned away at Port Purcell or told not to return with aid...I also know of a further 20 or so vessels landed with aid shipments, who have been waiting on the docks of St. Croix and Puerto Rico for 2 or more days, waiting to come in, held up only by the paper work," another concerned resident claimed in a post last evening, September 11.
Meanwhile, last evening, DDM stated that relief supplies continue to arrive in the Territory, noting that relief supplies are welcomed, but it is important that you email to bviddmirma@gmail.com, label the subject line as 'Relief Supplies/Donations', and indicate the following--what items are being sent; expected time of arrival of shipment; how it will be transported into the Territory; and the names of person(s) delivering supplies.
"I personally know of 3 boats full of recovery supplies and one aircraft full of medical supplies, who have followed the instructions given by DDM and the emergency center and were turned away at the port, and refused permission to land at EIS. The BVI authorities attempting to manage this situation are showing every sign of total incompetence," another resident claimed.
Concerns were also raised during a brief meeting with residents in the Purcell Estate community, that supplies are not reaching them.
Premier Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith has lauded the work of the DDM.
“Because of the preparedness we have had, we were able to get moving very quickly. So we were able to re-open shelters. We have shelter managers who have been managing them.”
He noted that they have to get as many volunteers to help as much as possible to manage with them.
"Those shelters are being provided with food, water and supplies. The supplies are initially going to come from the supermarkets in the Territory, but supplies are rapidly coming in from our friends overseas, whether it is from other Caribbean islands, or from America or British ship that is here," Premier Smith said.
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