PM urges nation to prepare for storm
By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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Prime Minister of St Kitts-Nevis, Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas
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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AN appeal has been made to all residents and citizens of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis to adequately prepare themselves for Hurricane Omar which is expected to make land-fall sometime between this evening and early tomorrow morning.
The appeal was made this morning during a radio broadcast by Prime Minister of the Federation and Minister of National Security Dr. the Hon Denzil Douglas.
“As Hurricane Omar approaches, I urge everyone to do all that is necessary to protect life and to protect property…I further urge all residents and citizens to quickly complete preparations and stay indoors. Avoid flooded areas and water courses such as ghauts and rivers, as the hurricane approaches and even after its passage.”
As the storm approaches, the PM has appealed to members of the business community “to assist in the general public in procuring emergency supplies and to allow their employees adequate time to make the necessary arrangements to secure their families and, of course, their homes.”
Persons with senior citizens and children as part of their families are also asked “to ensure that they are safe and comfortable at this time”. Dr. Douglas also called for individuals to keep their ears to the ground and their eyes peeled in the event that their services may be needed or in the event that they may be required to evacuate. ~~Adz:Right~~
“As you would have heard in the information communicated by the Public Relations Officer of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), residents living on the western coastline should pay very close attention to the progress of the storm and be prepared to move further inland if necessary. Heads of essential services should be mobilised as necessary in times of emergency. I also call upon the various district committees, the chairpersons and other members to become mobilised and pay special attention to those senior citizens who are living on their own.”
The PM ensured that “there is no need for panic” and to keep in tune with the local media for updates on the current situation.
“Let me end by reassuring all residents there is no need for panic at all. Please listen carefully to the local media for any further information from NEMA and also the Met Office on information on the storm. I ask that we all pray; pray that we and our families, our property, St. Kitts and Nevis be safe.”
