We’re not the only ones prone to flooding

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has reminded residents that recent flooding and damage that resulted from tropical Storm Philippe is not unique to the BVI and is similar to challenges other countries are facing.

“I don’t want persons to see it outside of that context, like this is just the BVI that can’t get its act together over many years. I was just in New York and they had significant flooding like they never saw before,” Premier Wheatley said at a recent press conference.

He added that the damage the territory experienced from the recent storm was to be expected as there was an unusual amount of rain that impacted the community.

“You have to anticipate that with the amount of rain that fell, you’re gonna have some impacts and some damage. It’s not a regular event that we faced. It wasn’t the regular shower that passes every now and again,” Premier Wheatley said.

He said the major problem is climate change, which rich nations contribute to most and which overwhelmingly impacts small island states. The Premier said these rich nations should be called upon to assist small nations that need to protect themselves against the effects of climate change.