VITEMA is the U.S. Virgin Islands agency with the primary responsibility for ensuring the territory’s resilience to disasters.

CONTACT INFO

VITEMA Headquarters 8221 Estate Nisky St. Thomas, VI 00803

contact@vitema.vi.gov

STT: (340) 774-2244
STX: (340) 773-2244
STJ: (340) 776-2244

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About Us

VITEMA Mission & Vision

Home • About Us
OUR VISION

To be the preeminent emergency management agency in the Caribbean, ensuring the resilience and safety of Virgin Islands communities through excellence in preparation, coordination, and response.

OUR MISSION

To SAVE LIVES and PROPERTY by preparing the Virgin Islands to respond to, recover from, and mitigate against all hazards.

WHO WE ARE

The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) is the lead emergency management agency for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Operating as a cabinet-level agency under the Office of the Governor, VITEMA coordinates all aspects of emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation across the territory.

Our authority derives from V.I. Code Title 23, the VITEMA Act (5233) of 1986, and the Emergency Management Act of 2009.

HOW WE SERVE

VITEMA fulfills its mission through four core pillars:

PLANNING

We develop comprehensive emergency operations plans and assess hazards to ensure the territory is prepared for any threat—from hurricanes and earthquakes to tsunamis and terrorism.

COORDINATING

As the designated coordinator for all-hazards response and recovery operations, we work seamlessly with federal, territorial, and local agencies, along with private sector partners and non-profits.

TRAINING

We provide professional training to first responders, government personnel, and community organizations to build capacity across the emergency management system.

EXERCISE ACTIVITIES

We conduct regular drills and exercises to test plans, identify gaps, and ensure all stakeholders are ready to perform when disaster strikes.

READY TO GET INVOLVED?

FOR RESIDENTS

Visit our Preparedness Resources page to start your emergency planning today.

 

FOR PARTNERS

Learn about partnership opportunities with VITEMA.

 

 

 

FOR TRAINING

Explore our training programs for organizations and first responders.

OUR TEAM

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    DARYL DEFRANCE JASCHEN

    Director

VITEMA: Protecting our homeland, strengthening our communities, saving lives.