The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

OPPOSITION Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday that the Free National Movement will suspend all political activities until Hurricane Matthew has passed.

His statement at the FNM’s headquarters yesterday came as the party was expected to ratify as many as five new candidates this week for next year’s general election.

“The FNM is encouraging all Bahamians to be prepared and work together to prepare for Hurricane Matthew that is expected to arrive in the Bahamas on Tuesday,” he said. “The FNM will therefore be suspending all political activities this week to concentrate on the nation, the people and offer assistance where it is needed. I have instructed all FNM members and candidates to work with their constituencies and neighbours with preparations and the aftermath of the hurricane and I’ve urged all other political parties to do the same.

“I’m advising Prime Minister Perry Christie to inform me of any assistance to the government and the Bahamas. I urge all Bahamians to tune into the national weather forecast and track the hurricane and take all hurricane preparations seriously. Ensure that their homes and properties are secure and offer assistance to your neighbours.”

Dr Minnis expressed particular concern for the southern Bahamian islands, which have not fully recovered from the devastating effects of Hurricane Joaquin. That storm devastated parts of the Bahamas last October.

Regarding that hurricane, Dr Minnis said he has not been fully satisfied with the government’s response to it.

“The exigency orders we originally thought were inadequate in terms of the time frame, but it was extended. What we’ve asked for is that the government declare those areas that were devastated tax-free zones and give them a certain time to regroup and rebuild and we still feel that would’ve gone a long way in assisting not only the residential people, but the businesses as well,” Dr Minnis said before a crowd of FNM supporters and officials.

The southeast Bahamas was under a hurricane watch yesterday, meaning Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Ragged Island, Long Cay and Samana Cay were expected to feel hurricane conditions within 48 hours.

A hurricane alert was in effect for the central and northwest Bahamas yesterday. This includes Long Island, Cat Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, the Exumas, Eleuthera, New Providence, Andros, the Berry Islands, Grand Bahama and Abaco, which were expected to feel storm conditions within 60 hours.

The hurricane is expected to bring heavy flooding and up to 25 inches of rain as it passes through the Bahamas.