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With the passage of Hurricane Lee, the Acting Minister of National Security, Lt. Col. David Burch and the Director of the Bermuda Weather Service, Michelle Pitcher provided the following morning update.
The Minister in particular discussed roadways, garbage collection, infrastructure and school assessments.
Following assessments by the Ministry of Public Works and utilities crews, the Ministry of National Security is advising the public that the main roadways are clear for passage.
The public can move about the main thoroughfares, but are encouraged to continue to use caution as they commute, as workers are clearing away some debris along the roads.
The Causeway is clear for traffic. And the area of South Road between John Smith’s Bay and Watch Hill Park which was closed yesterday, is currently being cleared of debris and is expected to reopen later this morning.
In light of Hurricane Lee, please be advised that there will be no meeting of the House of Assembly tomorrow Friday, September 15th.
The next meeting will be on September 22nd.
As of the Bermuda Weather Service’s 12 p.m. update, a Tropical Storm warning remains in effect for our island.
Hurricane Lee is currently a Category 1 storm located approximately 212 nautical miles southwest of Bermuda, moving north at 12 knots, with maximum sustained winds of 80 knots and gusts of up to 100 knots.
Acting Minister of National Security, Lt. Col. the Hon. David Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP, emphasises, “Your safety is our utmost concern. We strongly discourage motorists from being on the roads unless it is absolutely necessary.
The Department of Social Insurance wishes to advise the public that, as a precautionary measure, pension benefit payments ordinarily made by direct deposit on September 15th, will be processed today, earlier than usual, due to any disruption due to Hurricane Lee. For those receiving pension cheques, they have been printed and delivered to the Post Office for delivery.”
Good afternoon:
Thank you for joining me.
Joining me today from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team, Ms Russann Francis and on the phone from the Bermuda Weather Service, the Director Michelle Pitcher.
As you will be aware, we convened an Emergency Measures Organisation Executive meeting at midday to get the latest on Hurricane Lee.
At this time I will turn it over to the BWS’s Michelle Pitcher to provide an update on Hurricane Lee.
Parents of BPSS Preschoolers will be provided with “Beginning of the Year Curriculum” learning activities. These activities align with this week’s preschool lessons, including discovery and exploration.
In response to Lee’s approaching threat, the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) has placed the Island under a Tropical Storm Watch.
The BWS is also expected to consider upgrading this watch to a Tropical Storm Warning tonight. This development is indicative of the potential impact that Lee may have on Bermuda.
Key points to note:
The Department of Public Transportation (DPT) has released an updated school bus schedule effective Monday, 11 September 2023. The school schedule will be serviced by minibuses and DPT buses until the end of October. Starting 1 November, all school services will be provided by public buses.
To review the schedule visit https://www.gov.bm/bus
DPT wishes Bermuda’s school students a successful year!
Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, held a media briefing concerning Hurricane Lee.
“Good afternoon Bermuda,
This has undoubtedly been an incredibly busy hurricane season.
With back-to-back storms last week, I can truly appreciate that our residents are feeling hurricane weary.
But now is not the time to become complacent.
Following the passage of Hurricane Franklin and Post Tropical Storm Idalia, the Ministry of Public Works is issuing a timely tree trimming reminder for residents.
The Ministry notes that it is aware of the current overgrowth of vegetation and tree branches, which have encroached into the island’s sidewalks and roadways.
Last week, the Minister of Transport, the Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP, and the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Vance Campbell, JP, MP, hosted a meeting with the Air Service Development Team. The discussions centred around key topics such as enhancing air service operations during the shoulder months of November to March, marketing plans, capacity projections, fostering relationships with potential air service providers and assessing hotel occupancy during winter.
The Ministry of Economy and Labour is pleased to advise that the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is now accepting applications for the 2023 Graduate Trainee Programme.
The success of this programme continues, with the three Graduate Trainee Programmes held thus far providing thirty-three (33) recent college/university graduates with coaching, employability skills training and one-on-one support to develop their personal brand. Participants also have the opportunity to gain industry experience in their area of study.
The Economic Development Department (the EDD) is pleased to launch this year’s edition of its annual Reverse Pitch Competition, an Island-wide technology competition for Bermuda’s high-school students and an exciting opportunity for high school students interested in technology and innovation.
Greetings Bermuda.
As we gather today in recognition of Labour Day – a day dedicated to honouring the hardworking men and women of our country – I am filled with pride and optimism for the future that lies ahead.
We gather today to celebrate the contributions of workers past and present. Through their extraordinary sacrifices and achievements, these workers have made invaluable contributions to our country. Their labour has made Bermuda what it is today.
Good Morning, Brothers and Sisters of the Bermuda Industrial Union, Bermuda Public Services Union, Bermuda Union of Teachers, Fire Services Association, Electricity Supply Trade Union, Bermuda Entertainment Union, Prison Officers Union, Bermuda Police Association and good morning to the workers and people of Bermuda.
Despite Post Tropical Cyclone Idalia moving away from our island, we continue to prioritise safety and caution as strong winds and unsettled weather linger in our area today.
Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks reassures residents: “While Idalia is on its way out, our commitment to your safety remains unwavering. We urge everyone to exercise a high level of caution, especially when travelling on our roads.”
Idalia is located in our south-southeast, and the next weather update from BWS is scheduled for 3.00 p.m.