Energy Office initiative supports medically vulnerable residents as Territory continues hurricane preparedness, public safety and community improvement efforts
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands — Acting Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. announced Monday that the Virgin Islands Energy Office has begun distributing portable battery backup systems to medically vulnerable residents through the Virgin Islands Resiliency Gateway Program, a major resiliency initiative designed to help residents who depend on electricity for critical health and safety needs.
The announcement was made during the weekly Government House briefing on St. Thomas, where Acting Governor Roach was joined by Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency Director Daryl Jaschen and Virgin Islands Energy Office Deputy Director Michael Jaffurs for updates on hurricane preparedness, emergency response, energy resiliency, public safety and community improvements.
VIEO Deputy Director Jaffurs said the distribution phase of the Virgin Islands Resiliency Gateway Program, known as VIRG, has begun. Through the program, qualifying residents will receive an EcoFlow or Anker portable backup battery system paired with a 400-watt foldable solar panel.
The systems are designed to be plug-and-play, require no installation, produce no fumes and can be recharged through a standard electrical outlet or with the included solar panel during daylight hours.
The program is focused on medically vulnerable households that rely on electricity to operate essential medical equipment or preserve medication. The Virgin Islands Energy Office has partnered with the Department of Human Services and community organizations to identify residents who may qualify for assistance.
Eligibility is based on Virgin Islands residency, medical vulnerability and a documented need for electricity to support critical medical or health-related needs.
Residents identified for the program include those who rely on chronic oxygen therapy, Bi-PAP machines, CPAP devices for severe life-threatening apnea, chronic home ventilation, tracheostomy support, feeding G-tubes, LVAD heart machines, refrigerated medications, 24-hour wound vac systems and those who are bed bound.
VIEO staff members have begun contacting identified residents to confirm contact information, medical device needs and physical addresses to facilitate delivery.
Acting Governor Roach said the start of the VIRG distribution phase reflects the Administration’s continued focus on practical resiliency measures that protect residents before, during and after emergencies.
“This program is about making sure some of our most vulnerable residents have a safer and more reliable option when the power goes out,” Acting Governor Roach said. “As we move through hurricane season, resiliency cannot be an abstract idea. It has to reach people in their homes, especially those whose health depends on access to electricity.”
Director Jaschen also provided an update on hurricane preparedness and current fire safety conditions in the Territory. He addressed the Red Flag Warning issued for St. Croix on Saturday, explaining that a Red Flag Warning means weather and environmental conditions are favorable for the rapid ignition and spread of wildfires or brush fires.
Jaschen said a Territorial Burn Ban will remain in effect until further notice. The ban applies to all open fires, including campfires, bonfires, trash burning, yard debris and brush burning. Residents and visitors are reminded that a permanent burn ban remains in effect on Water Island.
As hurricane season continues, Director Jaschen encouraged residents to take proactive steps before any storm threatens the Territory. He emphasized that preparedness begins well before a storm approaches and urged residents to inspect roofs, secure shutters, clear yards and ensure emergency supplies are stocked.
“Residents should review their household emergency plans, check their supplies and make sure they know where to get accurate information,” Jaschen said.
Acting Governor Roach also addressed the tragic death of 15-year-old Tre’Vante Etienne, who was shot and killed in the Vester Gade area on Friday.
“The loss of any young life is painful. The killing of a 15-year-old child is especially difficult to comprehend,” Roach said. “On behalf of Governor Bryan, the Bryan-Roach Administration and the people of the Virgin Islands, I extend my deepest condolences to Tre’Vante’s family, friends, classmates and everyone mourning his death.”
“We cannot allow violence involving our young people to become something we expect or accept. We cannot grow numb each time another family is forced to grieve,” Roach continued.
Acting Governor Roach stressed that addressing violence requires a collective community effort and cannot rest solely on law enforcement.
“Parents, relatives, teachers, coaches, faith leaders and neighbors must remain present in the lives of our young people. We must listen to them, guide them and step in when we see conflict developing,” he said. “Our children need safe places to gather.”
Roach encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to report it anonymously through the Crime Stoppers tip line.
Acting Governor Roach also highlighted progress on the Emancipation Gardens Improvement Project, which is underway in downtown St. Thomas. Work has begun at Post Office Square, Fort Christian Park, Emancipation Garden and Educators Park.
The $700,000 project will provide significant improvements to these historic public spaces, including a much-needed facelift for Post Office Square, enhancing the area for residents, visitors and the broader community.
The Bryan-Roach Administration continues to encourage residents to remain informed, prepared and engaged as the Territory moves through hurricane season and advances initiatives to strengthen resiliency, support vulnerable residents and improve quality of life across the Virgin Islands.
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