It was at a press event held in Beverly Hills that media learned  the extent of damage the twin hurricanes, Irma and Maria, inflicted on the Virgin Islands.  The three principal islands, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croux, all suffered damage and power failure.
But the briefing by Keisha Nelson was upbeat as she told of efforts to restore power and basic living conditions for its people.
She also outlined some of efforts being sought in Washington to bring about more assistance.  She did give high praise the the Federal Emergency Management Agency which has been at the scene since the twin assaults by nature.
She pointed out that sometimes an area spared by Irma would then be hit by the second hurricane, Maria.
Keisha explained that tourism is responsible for about one third of the Islands economy and that this fact was the focus of further attempts for quicker response from the Government.
Carnival Cruises is important to the Virgin Islands and will continue its cruises on a regular schedule.
The informative briefing and luncheon took place at Ruth's Chris Restaurant.