As Tropical Storm Bret makes its approaching landfall on Dominica, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has warned citizens to “be ready and prepared and not to take the storm for granted.”
His comments were made at a press briefing hosted by the office of the Prime Minister that involved the Deputy Chief of Police, the National Disaster officials, the Minister of National Security, and others.
“No system is perfect, but I feel much more comfortable now because of the planning and preparation that we have done,” PM Skerrit said. He also advised that on Friday, June 23, 2023, there will be “no school.”
“We have to take this thing (TS Bret) seriously, we have seen in the past what Tropical Storms (TS)have caused, be our neighbours keeper, remain calm and level-headed,” he warned. He stated that “all the State’s agencies are in order” but citizens must act responsibly.
“Put your petitions before the Lord, so he can save us and our sister Caribbean islands because we are all in this together.”
Meantime, Deputy Police Chief Lincoln Corbette says the police force is “ready” and all off-duty police officers and Special Constables have been called back to work. “We will have an increased police presence, however, business owners must be vigilant and alert,” he said.
Minister of National Security Rayburn Blackmoore in his comments warned that “there will be no tolerance for lawlessness.” “No looting will be tolerated…this is not a threat but a warning,” he said. His comments were further reinforced by Prime Minister Skerrit who stated that what happened during and after the passage of Hurricane Maria in 2017, will not be tolerated and the security of the state is “on high alert.”