Minister reflects on the recent hurricanes – and also warns that we are not out of danger yet
BELCO workers are heroes.
That was the message today from Michael Weeks, National Security Minister, as he reflected on the two hurricanes that recently hit the island, Imelda and Melissa.
Some 20,000 customers lost power during Hurricane Melissa, but amazingly, Minister Weeks said, electricity was restored for the vast majority within days.
BELCO workers are heroes in these situations, the Minister added, praising their dedication and efficiency.
In a speech to the House of Assembly today, Mr. Weeks also had high praise for the EMO, the police, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Weather Service, the Parks Department and Public Works, among others, for helping the island to get back on its feet so quickly post-storm.
“We made timely, analytical and strategic decisions ahead of each of these storms,” Mr. Weeks said, “and put in place mitigation plans that enabled us to significantly reduce the threats to our safety and security.
“Our EMO model is a testament to how different entities ought to work together during crises.”
Minister Weeks also praised Bermudians in general, for their pre-storm preparation – which “helped to reduce damage and potential injury” – and for their resilience.
Islanders may have been storm weary, the minister said, but they were not complacent
And he ended with words of caution; hurricane season is not over until the end of November and Minister Weeks called for all Bermudians to remain vigilant and watchful: “We can ill afford to let out guards down.”
