There has been substantial damage to buildings, roads, water and power supplies, all of which are urgent and immediate priorities in the ongoing relief efforts to support the basic needs of the BVI and its 30,000 residents.
Looking more specifically at our firms and operations, many buildings sustained some damage during Irma, and thankfully Hurricane Maria had less impact. Firms have already begun to assess the impact on their own premises and many are already at least partially operational on the ground. The urgent and immediate priority however, is the ongoing relief efforts and supporting the basic needs of the BVI and its residents.
Both the BVI Government and BVI Finance have confirmed that the BVI Financial Services Commission, housing services such as the corporate registry and its online company registration portal VIRGIN, are operational. The BVI beneficial ownership information portal (BOSSs) was also unaffected continues to be operational, and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has temporarily relocated its Commercial Division to Saint Lucia and has commenced hearing cases in the normal manner. These are major components in getting services back up and running, business recovery and ensuring continuity of service.