We find ourselves facing another threat from Mother Nature so, we are gathered today to provide you information that will enable you to prepare for the approach of Hurricane Melissa.
Earlier this afternoon, I chaired an Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) meeting, so that we could get the latest updates and assessments from our member agencies.
Bermuda, here is what we can share at this stage:
Hurricane Melissa will pass Bermuda as a Category 1 storm. Given the close proximity of Melissa’s passage, we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents.
Out of an abundance of caution, the following measures will be implemented:
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Causeway: The Causeway will close at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, 30 October. At first light on Friday morning, it will be assessed, and an announcement of its reopening will be shared with the public.
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South Shore Road at Watch Hill Park: This section will close at 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, 30 October.
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Schools: All public and private schools will be closed on Friday, 31 October.
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Government Offices: Offices will operate as usual on Thursday, 30 October. However, to allow for building assessments and safety protocols, all government offices will be closed until 1:00 p.m. on Friday, 31 October. Services will resume at that time, pending any further updates.
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Buses – the last bus will be at 7.00 pm Thursday and will resume on Friday following an assessment of the main roadways.
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Ferry Service for Thursday Oct 30:
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Orange Route - St Georges: cancelled all day.
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Blue Route - Dockyard: Suspended after 4:00 pm
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Green Route - will run as scheduled.
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Pink Route - will run as scheduled
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Ferry Service for Friday Oct 31:
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All Routes cancelled until further notice. An assessment will be conducted once weather conditions have improved and wind levels have subsided. The public will be notified accordingly.
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The Lamb Foggo Clinic will be open at 9:00 p.m. Thursday evening and will remain open until further notice.
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The Government Shelter at CedarBridge will open at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday evening.
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Trash Collection: Thursday’s collection will proceed as normal. Friday’s collection will be deferred to Saturday.
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Parks and Highway inspection teams are on standby for deployment to assist with roads cleanup and infrastructure inspections.
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The Emergency Broadcast Station 100.1FM will be operational tomorrow evening.
Bermuda, I realise that this has been a busy hurricane season for us and that our resilience has been tested. However, I implore all residents to remain vigilant while we navigate another natural threat to our way of life.
We are renowned for our ability to cope with such adversity and I am confident that we shall all play our part to keep ourselves and each other safe over the next few days. On that note, please remember to check on your neighbours, especially the elderly and those who may need assistance before the storm reaches us.
I also want to remind people to remain off the roads until such time as an official announcement has been made that it is safe to resume travelling on the roads.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge our families and friends in Jamaica.
We extend our heartfelt support and thoughts and prayers to the people of Jamaica and other countries in the region that have been ravaged by the brunt of Melissa’s force.
Their loss and hardship remind us of the seriousness of this storm and the importance of being prepared and putting safety first.
Bermuda, I urge everyone to complete your hurricane preparations today.
Secure your homes, stock essential supplies, and ensure your family knows your safety plan.
Above all, stay tuned to official updates from the Government of Bermuda. We will continue to provide the critical information you need as the situation evolves. Together, we will weather yet another storm.
Thank you for your cooperation and compliance.