By the Caribbean Journal staff

United States Vice President Mike Pence is visiting the US Virgin Islands this week, Governor Kenneth Mapp announced this weekend.

Pence will visit the territory on Friday in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which caused widespread destruction across the islands.

US President Donald Trump is still planning to visit the territory this week, according to a statement from Mapp’s office.

Pence will fly over the territory to assess damage and Pence and his wife will meet with residents on St Croix to hear about their needs and views on recovery efforts.

The news of Pence’s visit comes after Trump spoke with Mapp by phone.

Governor Mapp said he was looking forward to the visits from the top US leadership which, he said, would “shine a light on what’s going on in the Virgin Islands.”