Preparing for Georges

September 19, 1998 - Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Kenny D. Anthony has been meeting with Disaster Preparedness officials and representatives of the utilities to assess the state of readiness for any possible effects from Hurricane Georges, currently threatening the islands of the Lesser Antilles.

The Prime Minister flew in from St. Kitts yesterday afternoon and activated the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) to ascertain the island’s state of preparedness. As a follow up to that meeting last night, the Prime Minister met with representatives of the utilities this morning to ensure that all disaster preparedness and response plans had been put in motion and that the necessary resources were being made available. As a result of these meetings, emergency supplies and heavy equipment are being pre-positioned in potential trouble spots to facilitate quick response.

The Prime Minister has confirmed that he will not be undertaking the planned State visit to Trinidad and Tobago. He said, while the threat to St. Lucia of a direct hit by Hurricane Georges appears to be diminishing, his first priority is to the people of St. Lucia. In addition, as the current Chairman of CARICOM, he must be available to respond to any calls for assistance from our sister territories. In that respect, he has placed the Coast Guard, the police and the utilities on stand by for assisting our sister territories should the need arise.

Dr. Anthony says he is pleased with the level of readiness of the various organisations and committees and would like to reassure the public that while all the necessary precautions against possible heavy weather should be taken, there is no need for panic.

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