Rymer pushes hurricane readiness as NOAA forecasts
NOAA is forecasting an active 2026 Atlantic hurricane season and, as the season began on June 1, Minister for Communications and Works Kye M. Rymer launched a renewed readiness drive, urging residents to prepare early. New reporting also highlights the territory’s decade-long focus on resilience since Hurricanes Irma and Maria and reinforces guidance for farmers, fishers and vulnerable households.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting an active Atlantic hurricane season through November 30, 2026, with 8 to 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes and 1 to 3 major hurricanes expected across the basin, officials said. With the season officially beginning on June 1, territory officials are urging residents to renew preparedness efforts now rather than wait for a specific storm.
In remarks marking the start of the season, Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer urged Virgin Islanders to review evacuation plans and emergency supplies and to take early action. In comments reported by Guavaberry, Rymer said the Territory must “remain alert, proactive, and united in protecting our families, our communities, and our Virgin Islands.” BVI News, which also covered the minister’s message, quoted him adding that “while we cannot predict the exact path or impact of any system, we do know that early preparation is our strongest defence” and stressing that “preparedness begins at home.” The Ministry of Communications and Works has been coordinating with the Public Works Department and other agencies on a range of pre-season measures designed to protect communities and critical infrastructure.
According to the ministry, teams have begun clearing drains and ghuts, managing vegetation near roadways and infrastructure, inspecting roads and bridges, and strengthening communication systems so that accurate and timely information reaches the public during emergencies. That communications work is being carried out in close coordination with the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) and local telecommunications providers to improve the resilience of the territory’s cellular broadcasting network.
Officials said the collaboration aims to ensure emergency alerts and other critical information can be delivered effectively during adverse weather and disaster events, when timely communications can save lives. In an updated advisory reported by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries issued specific guidance for farmers and fishers to limit damage and protect livelihoods.
Livestock farmers were advised to keep animals up to date with treatments, store sufficient feed in secure, protected areas, stock veterinary and medical supplies, and complete repairs to structures and fencing; the department warned that during a hurricane warning livestock should not be kept in enclosed structures and recommended harvesting mature crops early.
Fishers were told to remove pots and other gear from the sea, secure vessels on land when possible, shelter boats in designated safe areas, and clear loose or movable materials. BVI News noted the appeal comes nearly a decade after Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the Virgin Islands in 2017, and that government agencies including the DDM have run annual public awareness campaigns since then to encourage households and businesses to prepare emergency plans and maintain disaster supplies.
Officials reiterated that preparedness is not a one-time action but an ongoing responsibility. Minister Rymer again called on residents to take simple but essential actions now: review emergency and evacuation plans, restock disaster supply kits, secure homes and outdoor items, identify nearest shelters and evacuation routes, monitor reliable weather reports and official government channels, and check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours. “By acting early and remaining informed, we strengthen not only our individual households but the resilience of our entire territory,” he said.
Primary source: VINO