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Press Briefing by Prime Minister Minnis: Update on Hurricane Irma
Sep 4, 2017 - 2:49:45 PM


Press Briefing by Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis  Prime Minister, Commonwealth of The Bahamas: Update on Hurricane Irma 4 September, 2017

After my return from the United States yesterday afternoon I received a briefing last night from various officials on Hurricane Irma.

Let me emphasize at the outset, that Hurricane Irma may pose a direct and serious threat to The Bahamas.

This afternoon’s briefing is intended to apprise the country of hurricane preparation by critical government agencies.  Representatives of these agencies will brief you after my introductory remarks.

Given our recent experience with Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew, it is imperative that we are proactive.  We must take all necessary precautions in preparing for Hurricane Irma, which is currently a Category 3, with winds of 115 mph.

As early as May 29th, I visited NEMA’s Headquarters to advise the National Emergency Management Agency to make preparations for this hurricane season, which extends until November 30th.  While the exact track of Hurricane Irma is uncertain, various models indicate that Irma poses a serious threat to our archipelago.

Accordingly, all agencies of the Government are on full alert in preparation for the hurricane.

This includes the activation of emergency protocols by NEMA, the uniformed branches of government and other relevant government agencies.  Both public and private utility providers are also on alert. The preparation of shelters and coordination with NGOs are also priorities.

The Government will do all in its power to ensure that the country is fully prepared, including for rescue and recovery efforts.

Preparations include ensuring that emergency communication networks, including with all Family Islands, are tested and ready for use.

Even as the Government is taking the necessary precautions to prepare for Hurricane Irma, I want to stress the need for preparation by the general public and private institutions.  

This preparation includes monitoring the location of the hurricane by listening to updates through radio, television and/or through reliable social media.  
Bahamians and residents should avoid relying on sources of information which may be questionable or unreliable, especially potentially fake information circulated through social media.

Beginning this Tuesday, the 5th of September, NEMA will test launch a national alert system, which can be utilized for emergency preparedness, including for hurricanes. NEMA officials can provide more info on the testing of this system.

Bahamians and residents throughout the country need to monitor the location and proximity of Irma to the island or cay on which they live.

Maritime traffic, fishermen and boaters should take all necessary precautions as Hurricane Irma approaches The Bahamas.

As I stated previously, the threat of Irma must be taken seriously.  While property must be secured, material possessions can be replaced.  The priority is to take precautions to save lives and to minimize the risk of harm and injury.

Depending on the track of the storm, there may need to be evacuations to shelters or other secure locations.

Life is precious.  We must make every effort to preserve and protect life, including the elderly, the indigent and other vulnerable individuals.    

Various agencies will continue to provide the necessary preparedness updates and information. 

Bahamians and residents throughout the country should ensure that they have the necessary supplies in the event of Hurricane Irma affecting various areas of the country.

This includes gathering supplies such as food, water, medicine, gasoline, flashlights, radios, batteries and any other necessary supplies.

The Government has already advised the “General Public and all retailers and wholesalers [about] essential items, particularly breadbasket food items, medical and prescription drug supplies as well as hurricane preparedness items, such as plywood and nails.

“ ‘ … Price gouging’ and specifically the ‘hoarding’ of items for ‘speculation’ or ‘profiteering’ as well as the marking-up of prices by retailers and wholesalers in the advent of a potential natural disaster are criminal offences under the terms of the Price Control Act and the Regulations made under that Act.

I have instructed “the Prices Commission to commence a programme of strict supervision, review and monitoring of the prices being charged for the mentioned essential items, starting immediately.

“I have urged the Commission to report any suspected violations to the Office of the Attorney General which has, in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force, committed to aggressively investigate any information which might indicate any of the elements of what is termed ‘price gouging’, and to act accordingly, should such evidence be found.”

I wish to thank all agencies, departments and officials involved in hurricane preparedness.
We will continue to report to the country as we remain vigilant and closely monitor events.

The Government is acting with an abundance of caution.  While we hope that we are not adversely affected by Hurricane Irma, the best course of action is to be well-prepared in advance.

Let me now turn the briefing over to the Director of NEMA, Captain Stephen Russell.

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