Governor Cuomo Discusses Mission with NY1’s Pat Kiernan Prior to Departure
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and a delegation of administration officials departed New York this morning for the U.S. Virgin Islands to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Irma. The trip comes after Governor Mapp requested that Governor Cuomo travels to the region to survey the damage. Governor Cuomo has pledged to identify how New York can best provide additional assistance to the impacted area as they begin the recovery process.
Hurricane Irma hit the U.S. Virgin Islands on September 6th, leaving St. Thomas and St. John heavily damaged after powerful winds at speeds greater than 150 miles per hour. Much of St. Thomas and St. John has been devastated and still remains without power as residents struggle to recover from the storm. This situation is also poised threaten the Islands’ economically critical winter tourism season as many of the locations sustaining damage include hotels, airports and other key infrastructure.
“New Yorkers know full well the devastation that can come at the hands of Mother Nature and we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Virgin Islands as they begin to recover from this terrible ordeal,” Governor Cuomo said. “We have assembled our state’s top recovery experts to help assess the damage and are ready to provide any additional assistance we can to ensure this beautiful area comes roaring back stronger than ever.”
Governor Kenneth Mapp said, “In the wake of Hurricane Irma, I invited Governor Cuomo to the US Virgin Islands to tour the damage and assist in our recovery effort. I want to thank the Governor, who has extensive experience in post-storm recovery both from his time as HUD Secretary and as New York State Governor in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, for partnering with us in the immense task we have ahead. We have a special connection with New York, as more US Virgin Islands residents list their place of birth as New York than any other state in the nation. As someone who was born in Brooklyn and served in the 83rd precinct on Wilson Avenue, I understand the resiliency and can-do attitude of New Yorkers, and we appreciate Governor Cuomo’s promise of assistance as we work together in our effort to build back better and stronger.”
The New York delegation includes experts with a range of experience in incident management and disaster recovery at the local, state and federal levels dealing with crises such as Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, and Tropical Storm Lee. During the assessment, the delegation will use this expertise to work with U.S. Virgin Island officials to determine the state of critical infrastructure, as well as identify how best to allocate resources.
The delegation includes:
- Colonel Robert Mitchell, Director of Domestic Operations, New York National Guard
- Major Jim Green, Logistics Officer, New York National Guard
- Kevin Wisely, Deputy Commissioner for Emergency Services, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
- Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to the Governor
- Alphonso David, Counsel to the Governor
- Kamilah Smith, Policy Advisor for Statewide Initiatives and former FEMA official
The Governor’s tentative itinerary is below and is subject to change:
Approx. 11:45 a.m. – Aerial tour of damage on St. Thomas and St. John
Approx. 1:05 p.m. – Tour of damage at Estate Tutu Apartments, St. Thomas
Approx. 2:05 p.m. – Briefing with Governor Mapp and administration officials, Government House, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Approx. 2:30 p.m. – Press Conference, Government House, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke said, “Hurricane Irma has devastated several island nations in the Caribbean. As a proud daughter of the Caribbean, I applaud Governor Cuomo for surveying the damage and supporting Governor Mapp. The people of the U.S. Virgin Islands are in desperate need of water, food, and shelter. I am working with my colleagues in Congress to send the needed resources to the U.S. Virgin Islands and all nations in the Caribbean affected by the hurricane. I call on all New Yorkers to continue their prayers and support for our friends in the Caribbean.”
Congressman Jose Serrano said, “Fellow Americans in the USVI need our help and support to recover from Hurricane Irma. I’m glad to see Governor Cuomo take the necessary steps to assess how New York can best provide assistance to impacted areas in the islands. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I am working in Congress to ensure they also have the federal financial resources they need to repair and rebuild damaged areas.”
Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, “I applaud Governor Cuomo for stepping up to help the Caribbean community during this critical time of need. From Sandy to Irene, New Yorkers know exactly how devastating natural disasters can be, and with Governor Cuomo’s mission, New York State is lending our expertise and resources to help the recovery efforts.”
Assemblyman Marcos Crespo said, “Just as we stepped up for Puerto Rico with economic development assistance and resources, New York State stands by our Caribbean brothers and sisters in their recovery efforts. I look forward to working with Governor Cuomo in the Virgin Islands and the entire Caribbean community to help them rebuild after Hurricane Irma’s devastation.”
Assemblyman N. Nick Perry said, “Hurricane Irma has wrought unimaginable destruction across the Caribbean, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, and they need all the help they can get. Thanks to Governor Cuomo, for taking the personal time to visit the affected areas, and for ensuring that New York is playing a leading role in the recovery efforts and delivering the assistance and equipment they urgently need. As a New Yorker who was born and raised in the Caribbean, I commend our governor for sending a clear message that, notwithstanding what’s happening in Washington, D.C., there will be no wall between New York and the Caribbean Region. The governor’s visit assures us that New York stands firmly with our Caribbean brothers and sisters, and will assist with efforts to facilitate a speedy recovery across the region.”
Assemblymember Diana Richardson said, “In this difficult time New York is taking up the mantle of leadership and supporting communities in need. Governor Cuomo’s commitment to helping residents recover from the devastation of Hurricane Irma is a testament to New York’s tradition of helping others, and it will help accelerate the recovery efforts across the U.S. Virgin Islands. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been impacted by the storm, and I thank Governor Cuomo for standing up for the U.S. Virgin Island and affected Islands during this trying time.”
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said, “Though Hurricane Irma has left the Virgin Islands, her wrath will be felt for a long time to come. As those communities rebuild, Governor Cuomo and New York State are standing hand in hand with the Virgin Island community every step of the way.”
New York City Council Member Robert Cornegy said, “New York State has a long legacy of helping our neighbors in their times of need, and today we are continuing that legacy in the wake of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. These storms have brought unfathomable destruction, and they need every bit of help they can get. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York is providing critical assistance that is saving lives and having a tangible difference on the ground.”
New York City Council Member Andy King said, “Hurricane Irma devastated homes and resources in the Virgin Islands, but it can never destroy our Caribbean spirit of resiliency. As a strong supporter and advocate of the USVI, Governor Cuomo’s commitment to offer help will allow USVI to get back to normalcy and recover. Thank you, Governor Cuomo, for standing with our brothers and sisters of the US Virgin Islands.”
Former New York City Council Member Dr. Una Clarke said, “Governor Cuomo has firsthand knowledge of how difficult it is to recover after a natural disaster, and we are so grateful for him to lend his expertise and resources to help the Virgin Island communities recover. This deployment will bring much-needed relief to Virgin Islanders as they rebuild and recover to become even stronger than before.”
1199SEIU President George Gresham said, “Once again New York is taking up the mantle of leadership and supporting communities in need. Governor Cuomo’s commitment to helping residents recover from the devastation of Hurricane Irma is a testament to New York’s tradition of helping others, and it will help accelerate the recovery efforts across the U.S. Virgin Islands. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been impacted by the storm, and I thank Governor Cuomo for standing up for the Caribbean community during this trying time.”
Earl Phillips, Secretary-Treasurer, TWU Local 100 said, “I applaud Governor Cuomo for his compassionate and generous deployment to the Virgin Islands. With New York’s expertise, equipment and personnel, the Virgin Islands will be better able to rebuild and restore calm to their communities. These resources will bring much-needed relief to these communities and are a true testament to our New York values of stepping up when others are in need.”
Jill Furillo, Executive Director, New York State Nurses Association said, “In the wake of Hurricane Irma, residents throughout the Caribbean have been left with nothing. Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, the U.S. Virgin Islands will receive resources and assistance they need to support recovery efforts throughout the region and help rebuild their communities. I am thankful New York has the means to provide personnel and assets to the U.S. Virgin Islands and hope for a quick recovery for both residents and the region’s economy. NYSNA nurses are currently assisting with efforts in Texas and Florida. We stand ready to support Gov. Cuomo in any and all efforts to help.”
Jean Alexandra, Executive Director, Caribbean American Community of New York said, “Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on communities all along its path, and my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. New York can and should play a critical role supporting our neighbors during their time of need, and I applaud Governor Cuomo for stepping up to help our Caribbean brothers and sisters. As New Yorkers, we stand shoulder to shoulder with the impacted communities and are ready to provide whatever assistance is necessary to recover from this disaster.”
Roy A. Hastick, Sr., President, and Founder of the Caribbean American Chamber, said, “I commend Governor Cuomo for coming to the aid of Caribbean communities impacted by Hurricane Irma. New York State has a strong connection to the entire region, and many of our friends, neighbors, business persons and family members have been impacted by the horrific storm. New York State is showing its true colors and delivering for those in desperate need of emergency assistance.”
Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, President/Founder, Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute said, “The recent spate of natural disasters has been heartbreaking to witness, but I am inspired to see how Governor Cuomo is putting boots on the ground to help. New Yorkers know exactly how devastating natural disasters can be, and this aid will bring relief and healing to those who need it most.”
Jean Woodburn, International Ministry of First Baptist Church of Crown Heights said, “As a member of the diverse Caribbean Community, residing in the State of New York, myself family, friends and associates are extremely saddened by the devastation experienced by our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean. We are frightened of the long-term effects of the devastation on those affected and their neighboring countries. I am overwhelmed and extremely grateful to Governor Cuomo for his immediate response to the dire need of the region. I am grateful that Governor Cuomo is taking the lead in sending much-needed resources to the US Virgin Island, resources drastically needed to assist in bringing a devastated region back to normalcy.
Pastor Gilford Monrose, Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day, said, “Someone once said ‘the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.’ Today I share in the collective heartbreak and sorrow to see my beloved US Virgin Islands devastated by Hurricane Irma. My heartfelt condolences go out to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives – for just living on the island during a Category 5 hurricane with no place to go. I, want to thank all people of good will who are finding ways to assist in the recovery and rebuilding of our islands. Together, one step, one brick, one person in our collective march towards a total come back. Special thanks to Governor Andrew Cuomo (NY) who continues to show the compassion of a true leader by providing the full support of the New York State government. We will not forget our brothers and sisters. We will not forget our families. We will not forget our beautiful Virgin Islands, still the American Paradise.”
Karl B. Rodney, Publisher, New York Carib News, said, “Governor Cuomo recognizes s the devastation that Hurricane Irma has brought to the U.S. Virgin Islands and, on behalf of all us New Yorkers, is showing his support by traveling to the region to assess the damage. New York has already stepped up to provide aid and assistance, and we stand ready to continue to help the U.S. Virgin Islands and communities across the Caribbean recover from this tragedy.”
Dr. Eugene Stanislaus, son of late Dr. Lamuel A. Stanislaus, said, “The Caribbean islands have suffered unthinkable devastation, and they need our support. I am grateful that Governor Cuomo is rising to the challenge and providing places like the U.S. Virgin Islands the support they need to emerge from the destructive force of Hurricane Irma. The Governor’s visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands sends a strong signal that New Yorkers are ready and willing to support families impacted by the storm, just as others have done for New York in our times of need.”
This trip is not the first assistance offered by New York to the U.S. Virgin Islands in the wake of Hurricane Irma. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, Governor Cuomo deployed 130 Airmen from the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing, three HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, and two HC-130 searches and rescue aircraft and three Zodiac inflatable rescue boats to assist with initial search and rescue efforts. This initial mission which assisted in the evacuation of over 1,500 people concluded earlier this week.
