Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville brought all the players to the table early Monday morning ensuring that all agencies are on the same page when it comes to facing Hurricane Matthew.
Assembled in the Conference Room at the Ministry for Grand Bahama were the three administrators from throughout Grand Bahama: Brenda Colebrooke, from West Grand Bahama District, Preston Cunningham from the City of Freeport, and Harvey Roberts from East Grand Bahama.
They were joined by officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Urban Renewal, Department of Social Services, top officers from the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Defence Force, top officials from the various Local Government districts, Ministry of Health officials, Ministry of Works, Tourism, Ministry of Education, the Grand Bahama Disaster Preparedness Committee, broadcast and print media, officials from the Grand Bahama Power Company, Weather Services, Red Cross and many others associated with disaster preparedness.
In his opening statement Dr. Darville urged all Grand Bahamians and residents throughout this archipelagic nation to be prepared, noting that storms are unpredictable and can change at a moment’s notice.
“We have already witnessed this in the past with other hurricanes. I am appealing to all residents, especially those in low-lying areas of East and West Grand Bahama to take heed, as storm surges and coastal erosion and flash flooding are expected during this hurricane,” he stated.
He pointed out that since the hurricane season began in June of this year, NEMA and the Grand Bahama Disaster Preparedness Committee have been in a state of readiness for any storm that may affect our region.
“Earlier this morning, the Ministry for Grand Bahama, in conjunction with NEMA and the Grand Bahama Disaster Committee held an emergency meeting to finalize all plans and complete the logistic protocols in preparation for the passage of Hurricane Matthew.
All relevant stakeholders were a part of this meeting and we are now ready to execute our emergency plans should the need arise,” the Minister stated.
He encouraged residents to secure the property and personal documents, medication and other necessary items, and to follow the Ministry for Grand Bahama’s Facebook page for further updates as well as the national radio and television station.
Dr. Darville also warned against misinformation being spread regarding the storm and school closures circulating via social media. It was pointed out that all schools on Grand Bahama remained open on Monday. Schools affected by closure were those in the South-Eastern Bahamas on Monday and those in the Central Bahamas on Tuesday.
A statement regarding closure of schools in the Northern Bahamas was expected from the Ministry of Education on Monday evening.
