According to Vanterpool, the initial assessment suggested minimal pier damage, however BVI is engaging a qualified engineer to provide a comprehensive evaluation. Tortola Pier Park held up 'reasonably well,' he added.
Of the 11 buildings, only three had roof damage; the structures remain in place. Other buildings, common areas and the tour dispatch station suffered minor damage, Vanterpool said.
'Through the BVI Ports Authority, we are on a fast track towards the restoration of the cruise and shopping facility with a targeted date of reopening at least 50% of retail and food and beverage stores by 1st November,' Vanterpool has informed cruise lines.
As for the wider destination, he said the road infrastructure is currently operational and has suffered only minor damage, while general clean-up of the roadways is 60% complete. Electricity has been restored in Road Town, the capital, and work is under way to restore electricity in all other areas throughout the territory. Water has been restored to 40% of the island and telecommunication services have been restored in most parts of the territory.
Vanterpool said he's working closely with the office of the premier to prepare a detailed report on the status of beaches and major attractions.
Representatives of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association were scheduled to visit today for a full update on the status of the restoration efforts.
According to the FCCA, MSC is paying for and transporting a large, semi-permanent structure to the BVI to be used as a school, which the association coordinated through Eventstar Structures, a Platinum Member. The territory is also receiving aid from the Cayman Islands and St. Lucia, with Puerto Rico as an option to coordinate relief shipments, and Britain is expected to provide extensive relief support.
Vanterpool said the government and people of the Virgin Islands are 'dedicated to the expedited recovery of the territory and are confident that the BVI will swiftly recuperate from this disaster and will re-emerge stronger.'
Tortola Pier Park was completed in 2016, adding retail, dining, entertainment and recreation facilities adjacent to Road Town's recently expanded cruise pier. Just weeks ago Tortola Pier Park was named Port of the Year at the Seatrade Cruise Awards.
