BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CITIZENS, RESIDENTS and business owners are heeding the call to prepare for Hurricane Irma which, according to meteorologists, is a Category 4 Storm.
Today (Sept. 4), SKNVibes had witnessed many residents and citizens making last-minute rounds at various supermarkets to stock up with the necessities as the powerful storm can cause major damage to homes and buildings, and can even result in the loss of lives.
Supermarkets were filled with shoppers, even those of Chinese nationals who often come in for heavy criticisms.
However, it was not only shoppers who were preparing for Hurricane Irma, but business owners also who were seen securing their establishments in order to safely ride out the storm.
Though many supermarkets would remain open for several hours tomorrow, the majority is expected to be closed for business as the hurricane makes its way through the Leeward Islands.
The Government has indicated that schools would not reopen on Wednesday (Aug. 6) as was expected.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris said: “I must also inform the public that the Ministry of Education has decided that all government schools will remain closed until further notice. From tomorrow the CFBC and all Early Childhood Centers would also be closed until further notice.”
The storm has also cause several disruptions, as the Speaker of the House has postponed Thursday’s (Aug. 7) sitting of the National Assembly.
“…it is my duty to inform the nation that the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Hon Michael Perkins, has informed me of the postponement of Thursday’s sitting of Parliament. This decision was taken in light of the imminent passage of Hurricane Irma,” Dr. Harris said his statement.
Also expected to be postponed are actives planned for the month-long Independence celebration.
“As we continue to prepare, let us all expect the best outcome but prepare for the worst.
“Let us look out for our neighbours and remember that we are our brother’s keeper, in good times and in bad. Our goal is to preserve life and reduce the likelihood of risk and damage to property,” PM Harris lamented.
