The terrible news that the British Virgin Islands has been badly impacted by Hurricane Irma has tended to focus on the impact on the lives of a small number of wealthy individuals. Clearly the devestation in the area surrounding the BVI appears to be much greater than the loss of a few expensive yachts and Gin Palaces. One of the bits of news that so far I have not heard is how much of an impact will this have on our economy. As we have heard over previous years, these Islands act as a banking venue for many of the biggest businesses in our nation. Has Irma destroyed huge financial resources that will impact our economy, or is the money merely held in virtual accounts and not in safes on the Islands at all? If the latter is the case clearly our economy is protected, but on the other hand, why does the tax regime on the Island extend beyond its fishing limits when it comes to currency based banking?