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The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) is now accepting applications for curfew passes from businesses and government entities. VITEMA is also announcing newly-established procedures that will affect businesses that are reapplying for curfew passes.
The governor of the Virgin Islands may impose a curfew to allow for post-disaster damage assessment, clearing of roads and power restoration efforts by the VI Water and Power Authority. A curfew pass grants an approved applicant access to passable roadways to secure property in the aftermath of a disaster.
For businesses applying for the first time, curfew pass application forms are available at its VITEMA offices territorywide and online at
www.VITEMA.gov/forms.
VITEMA’s offices are located at 7 and 8 King Cross St., Christiansted, on St. Croix, at #6 Susannaberg on St. John, and at 8221 Nisky on St. Thomas. Businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The application includes a Liability Release Form, a Curfew Pass Request Form – Part 1 for the authorized representative of the business, and a Curfew Pass Request Form – Part 2 to list the names of employees needing a pass. Along with the application, businesses must provide a copy of its current business license.
“All new applicants approved for the 2012 curfew pass must present a valid identification card, to receive the VITEMA curfew pass ID and the new holographic sticker,” VITEMA Director Elton Lewis said.
Completed applications must be submitted to Emergency Operations Center managers at each location.
VITEMA has also implemented new procedures for businesses and government agencies seeking to renew curfew passes for 2012. As of Monday, June
4th, VITEMA restricted the printing of curfew pass ID cards for new applicants only. For businesses renewing passes, the holographic sticker will be placed on the 2011 curfew pass ID card. For applicants from VI government agencies, the holographic sticker will be placed on a valid government employee ID. The holographic sticker is valid for one year and must be replaced annually.
“This new process reduces the cost of producing photo identification cards — hundreds of people apply each year,” Lewis said. “It’s also cuts back on the amount of time my employees spend processing applications.”
During a state of emergency, the Governor of the Virgin Islands may impose a curfew if the extent of the damages poses a threat to the safety and security of the general public and to allow first responders, road-clearing crews and emergency utility workers to quickly access roads after a disaster. Along with imposing a curfew, the Governor may also order street closings, control movement in and out of disaster areas, prohibit modes of transportation, and call for evacuations if considered necessary for the preservation of life.
While there is no deadline to apply, VITEMA has implemented policies to prevent businesses from overwhelming the agency with curfew pass requests during emergency response.
“Once we receive notification that the Territory is at risk for severe weather, we will immediately cease accepting and processing curfew pass applications,” Lewis said. “At that time, VITEMA will be in response mode and preparing to activate the Emergency Operations Centers territorywide and working with other local and Federal agencies to prepare for impact. Employees will not be available to process passes.”
Businesses should also note that submittal of an application for curfew passes does not guarantee that the request will be granted. VITEMA vets all applications to determine whether there is real need for passes, Lewis stated.
Businesses are reminded that the VI Police Department is authorized to deny any individual, including those holding curfew passes, access to certain areas for safety and security reasons, and is also authorized to confiscate curfew passes when necessary. Police officers also can arrest those found in violation of curfew or misusing curfew passes.
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