PM shares disaster preparedness plan

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called on Barbadians to be their brother’s keeper as preparations take place for the passage of Tropical Storm Dorian.

In a press conference lasting 36 minutes, Mottley updated the nation on the plans in place for the storm.

At 2 p.m. the eye of Tropical Storm Dorian was on track to pass just south of Barbados around 8 p.m. tomorrow night. A reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate the storm at 8 o’clock tonight.

Mottley emphasised that the storm is nothing to take lightly and urged citizens to prepare themselves and to keep checking with the relevant institutions for updates.

There is no plan for a national shutdown today, however the shutdown will be in effect from 12 p.m. tomorrow.

Supermarkets have been asked to extend their opening hours until 9 tonight, and pharmacists have also been asked to accommodate the needs of those citizens in need of medication.

Mottley also disclosed that equipment has been deployed to clear up any large objects that could become projectiles in high winds. The Sanitation Service Authority has called out crews to deal with pile ups of garbage, and the bulk waste site has been opened.

Transport board buses will also service the public until midnight, with service resuming at 5 a.m. tomorrow.

The Grantley Adams International Airport will remain open at this time, as management is awaiting further information before announcing any shutdown.

The Prime Minister made note that the country should be on full, high alert for Tropical Storm Dorian, and in closing the press conference invited Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations to pray for the safety of Barbados. (BD)