Prime Minister Urges Jamaicans in Bahamas and Florida to Be Safe

October 6, 2016October 7, 2016 News Room

Prime Minister Andrew Holness in a telephone conversation this afternoon (Thursday, October 6) with provisional President of Haiti Jocelerme Privert expressed deep sympathy on the death and destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew. Mr Holness pledged the support of the government of Jamaica to recovery efforts in Haiti.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is urging Jamaicans in the US State of Florida and the Bahamas to be safe during the passage of Hurricane Matthew. The hurricane is now pounding the Bahamas and will head to the East Coast of Florida.

Prime Minister Holness said, “Please listen and follow the instructions from the authorities. It is important that everyone take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety.”

For persons in the state of Florida, the prime minster said they must heed the evacuation warnings and other alerts from state and local officials. “Now is the time to evacuate if you are being asked to do so. Do not delay. This hurricane is powerful and has already caused significant damage in Haiti and Cuba.”

In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness this afternoon telephoned provisional President of Haiti Jocelerme Privert and conveyed deep sympathy on behalf of the government of Jamaica while pledging assistance in their recovery effort. The President confirmed that 50 persons have died so far. “We are praying for your country and our government stands ready to lend assistance in collaboration with our private sector,” Mr Holness said.

Commentary

PM Andrew Michael Holness spoke to interim president of Haiti to express his sympathy at the deaths caused by hurricane Matthew.

Some 136 deaths reported to date in Haiti from Matthew. The Jamaican government has been working with the Americans to send relief supplies to Haiti.

US planes have been granted permission to refuel in Jamaica.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie has been monitoring the disaster in Haiti for Vision Newspaper Canada.