The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

HOURS after Hurricane Warnings and Watches were issued for the Bahamas on Wednesday morning, officials of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBPF) and the Ministry of Education issued statements outlining their plans for Hurricane Joaquin's landfall.

The RBDF officials have suspended leave for all officers away from duty.

"All vacation leave for members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has been cancelled. All officers and marines are to report to their respective place of duty effective immediately," a statement read on Wednesday.

Hurricane Watches have been issued for the north-west Bahamas except Andros but including Eleuthera, New Providence, Abaco and Grand Bahama.

Additionally, Hurricane Warnings are in place for the central Bahamas, including Exuma, Cat Island, San Salvador and Long Island.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education announced the closure of all public schools in Exuma, San Salvador, Cat Island and Rum Cay at noon on Wednesday due to expected flooding due to Hurricane Joaquin.

The Ministry's statement added: "The Department of Education will keep the public informed and will provide updates as decisions are made and information is made available. We encourage all parents and teachers to listen to newscasts and to also refer to the Ministry of Eduation’s Facebook page for additional updates."