British Virgin Islands launches recovery fund

The BVI, which is a British overseas territory, suffered severe damage when the hurricane passed through the Caribbean last week.

The tourist board’s UK office has now set up the BVI Relief Fund, through the Just Giving website, on behalf of the BVI government to try to raise £9 million for recovery efforts.

UK representative Ginny Hawksley said she was moved to start the fundraising after receiving many calls from the industry asking how they could donate to help. The tourist office was due to hold its annual roadshow event in London on October 5, that has since been cancelled.

Sharon Flax-Brutus, director of tourism for the British Virgin Islands, said: “We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support for the BVI community. The people of the British Virgin Islands are resilient and we are confident we will be able to rebuild.”

A state of emergency was declared in the BVI after Hurricane Irma hit the islands on September 7.

Foreign secretary Boris Johnson visited the BVI and other affected parts of the Caribbean on Wednesday (September 13) to see the damage caused by Hurricane Irma and to talk to local governors and authorities.

Johnson said during his visit: “I’m in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and this is the East End area and we’re looking at incredible devastation. But it is starting to come back on its feet and the UK is helping: £25 million announced today by our government in addition to the £32 million we’ve already pledged.

“We are getting on with the work of sending our armed services around with the police helping to build up confidence on the streets.”

Donate to the BVI Recovery Fund