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- Updates from the Islands -- - Saba & St.Eustatius - - |
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| - Government Advises Mariners as Hurricane Joyce Lesser Antilles Island Chain |
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THE BOTTOM, - Boat Owners Advised to Consider Other Options for Removal of Vessels from Fort Bay Harbour in the Event Hurricane Joyce Commissioner responsible for Fisheries Lisa Hassell, on Thursday told the Saba Government Information Service (SGIS), that boat owners are being advised once again to consider other options in relation to removing their vessel from the Fort Bay Harbour in the event Hurricane Joyce was to pass to the South of Saba. "The path of Hurricane Joyce is unpredictable at this point in time and we will be monitoring the situation very closely over the weekend to see what will happen. Mariners should could to monitor the situation and if the need arises to seek safe shelter," Hassell pointed out. Hassell pointed out that the boat ramp is presently inaccessible. The ramp is used by the dive operators and the fishermen to remove their vessels with the use of a trailer out of the water and to secure them properly on land in the event of bad weather. With the beautification project presently in full swing, the road in front of the ramp is inaccessible as it is being paved. This process in relation to each strip that is poured takes three weeks to cure. Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier informed the SGIS that the ramp could remain inaccessible up until the end of the hurricane season and is advising the boating community to make alternative arrangement for the mid-term. In the meantime the Island Government will discuss with the Planning Department about an alternative solution. The project for the beautification and upgrading of the Fort Bay Harbour had to start during the season, otherwise, part of the minimum upgrading being done in this project would not be completed on time for the new tourism season. Conditions at the port facility has deteriorated due to the recent hurricane activity during the pasts two years that an immediate face lift was needed as more than the majority of visitors to the island arrive by boat. The main reconstruction and development of the port still has to start. Marine Helicopter Surveys Island On Friday morning the Royal Dutch Marine Helicopter did a photographic survey of the island. This is in relation to disaster management. The information will be compiled for future use by other marines who come to Saba in relation to disaster management. Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier told the SGIS that military officers met with him on Wednesday morning to discuss disaster management and what the Governments expectations would be from the military. The visit to Saba was also to get acquainted with the environment and surroundings. Solagnier added that during the meeting the military officials were updated on the changes that have taken place in relation to the new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) which has been completed and can be used in a time of disaster. The group of marines are from Aruba and Curacao. Roddy Heyliger Communications Consultant - Caribbean Information Provider Medpro Inc. - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing. "The Value of Knowing First." Email: medprocomm AT email.com |
| - Hurricane Debby Moves On |
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For Immediate Release: Tuesday August 22 2000 Saba Reports No Damages, but Governor Concerned About Harbour Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier on Tuesday afternoon reported to the Government Information Service that the island did not sustain any damages during the passing of Hurricane Debby, only a few tree branches and leaves could be seen scattered on the road. This was based on a damage assessment conducted on Tuesday morning by his team. The island received some rainfall and gusty winds. There were also some small rock falls on the main road network at certain places. Solagnier is urging motorists to exercise some caution while driving in the coming days. Schools will be open on Wednesday. Some businesses were already open on Tuesday afternoon. Lt. Governor Solagnier pointed out that Saba was prepared for the worse. On Tuesday morning the Emergency Hurricane Shelters were closed and no one made any use of the four shelters that were manned by 10 marines along with a medical staff member. Cooperation with the Dutch military was great according to the Governor. The 12-member team will leave Saba on Wednesday morning. Besides manning the shelters as well as the command center at the Sunny Valley Youth Center, two members stayed at the top of Mount Scenery in order to ensure telecommunications. The Utility Company GEBE on Monday evening shut off the electricity as a precautionary measure. The electricity was put back on early Tuesday morning. Telecommunications was not a problem as no outages were reported. The Juancho Yrausquin Airport will be open for air traffic on Wednesday. Personnel from Government were busy on Tuesday setting up the telecommunications equipment. Of concern to the Lt. Governor and the Head of the Planning Department Robert Zagers, is the Capt. L.A.I. Chance Pier. Solagnier pointed out that the heavy seas has probably further undermined the foundation of the pier. Secondly, the filling in of the harbour basin with the southerly winds may result in the harbour having to be dredged. Solagnier stressed that the Island Government doesn't have the funds in order to carry out such an operation. The Lt. Governor added that the reconstruction project for the harbour needs to be executed as soon as possible. The Lt. Governor on behalf of the Executive Council would like to thank all government personnel and others who assisted with the preparations that had to be made prior to the approach of Hurricane Debby. Particular mention was made of Russel Thielman and Robert Zagers. Solagnier would also like to thank the residents for taking the necessary precautions and to always be prepared as we are still in the hurricane season. Roddy Heyliger Communications Consultant - Caribbean Information Provider Email: medprocomm AT email.com |
| - Saba Awaits Tropical Storm Debby |
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For Immediate Release: Monday August 21 2000/10.30pm Saba is Prepared for the Passing of Tropical Storm Debby THE BOTTOM, SABA - Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier informed the Government Information Service that all the necessary preparations have been taken by the residents of the island in relation to Tropical Storm Debby. The Lt. Governor is advising all residents to remain indoors on Tuesday and to stay tuned to the radio for further information if this is warranted. A damage assessment will have to be done. All public buildings were boarded up on Monday. Heavy equipment has been moved to the village of Windwardside as a precautionary measure. Communications equipment from the Airport has been stored in a secure place. Emergency Hurricane Shelters will be manned by the Marines and a nurse. The shelters will be open as of 11.00pm. Prepared by Roddy Heyliger On behalf of Lt. Governor Mr. Antoine Solagnier Island Territory of Saba Roddy Heyliger Communications Consultant - Caribbean Information Provider Email: medprocomm AT email.com |
| - Saba Government Urges Preliminary Tropical Storm Debby Preparations |
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For Immediate Release: Sunday August 20 2000/4.30pm Island Government Takes Preliminary Precautions As Tropical Storm Debby Approaches Leeward Island Chain THE BOTTOM, SABA - Acting Lt. Governor Will Johnson on Sunday morning at 10.00AM, met with members of the The National Hurricane Committee (NHC) to assess the approaching weather system now known as Tropical Storm Debby. Attending the meeting were officials from the various government departments and organizations namely, GEBE, Police, Airport, Harbour, Public Works and the Hospital. Members of the Village Hurricane Committees were also present. It was decided during the meeting that preparations to close non-essential public buildings would start as soon as possible. This message would also be passed on to residents who have apartments and other buildings. Acting Lt. Governor Johnson stated that it would be wise for residents to start closing up part of their homes, instead of leaving the majority of the work for Monday where they would then have to rush preparations. Johnson added that he has already spoken with the Governor General who called him on Sunday morning in relation to the pending situation. The military has been placed on standby, and if the need arises, a detachment of about 12 officers will be flown in on Monday from the Dutch military base Savaneta, Aruba. On Monday August 21 additional measures will be taken by the Island Government once an assessment has been conducted of the progress of Tropical Storm Debby. Prepared by Roddy Heyliger On behalf of the Acting Lt. Governor Mr. Will Johnson Island Territory of Saba Roddy Heyliger Communications Consultant - Caribbean Information Provider Email: medprocomm AT email.com |
| - Acting Governor Advises to Monitor Situation Over the Weekend |
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For Immediate Release: Friday August 04 2000 Acting Lt. Governor Advises to Monitor Alberto Closely THE BOTTOM, Saba - Acting Lt. Governor Will Johnson on Friday is advising residents of Saba to monitor the progress of the seasons first Tropical Storm namely Alberto over the weekend. Johnson said the Island Government and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) personnel will pay close attention to the progress being made by Alberto and assess the situation as warranted. All residents should have taken certain measures before the hurricane season started. He pointed out that it would be wise for families just to review their plans of actions that they would take before a hurricane strike. Johnson added that the Island Government of Saba has been taking a pro-active approach in relation to hurricane preparation for government buildings. "The personnel of the Department of Public Works (DOW) has been working since before the hurricane season making sure that all public buildings would be secure before the height of the 2000 hurricane season. "Saba is very much prepared when it comes to the public buildings. Our insurance policies are up to date, but it is very expensive to keep public buildings insured. "The EOC Center in The Bottom is almost ready and if need be will be put to use within 24 hours notice. If we have to take the necessary preparations, we will do so 24-36 hours before a hurricane strikes the area," Johnson stated on Friday afternoon. Members of the Fire Department were busy on Friday mounting the satellite telecommunications as well as the base station. This measure was already planned in advance before Alberto. The National Hurricane Committee met almost two weeks ago to assess the state of affairs of the Island Territory. A majority of the EOC members were present to discuss various issues. Roddy Heyliger Saba Government Information Service Communications Consultant - Caribbean Information Provider Email: medprocomm AT email.com |
| - Saba Hurricane Committee Has First Meeting |
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For Immediate Release: Friday July 21 2000 Hurricane Committee Has First Meeting SABA - The National Hurricane Committee of the Island Territory of Saba met on Wednesday for the first time since the 2000 hurricane season opened on June 1st. The members present under the chairmanship of Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier who is responsible for Disaster Management, discussed the present state of affairs in relation to preparedness. A breakdown was given on what actions the Island Government Department of Public Works has been doing during the pasts months. The main priority was to make sure that all government buildings were properly secured in relation to hurricane shutters, and any repairs that were necessary would be repaired. With the most active months of the hurricane season approaching, all present were advised to check their supplies and resources and to take an inventory of what they still needed or what still has to be done. The Executive Council is calling on the entire community to make sure that they have take all the necessary pre-hurricane precautions such as a supply of non-perishable foods; a review of insurance policies to make sure they are adequately covered; an overview of their home and/or business; and to make sure that their yards are cleaned of all debris that may become a threat to human life and property during the passing of a hurricane. The hurricane committee was also informed that the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) near the Telecommunications Building in The Bottom should be ready by mid-August and would be used as the main coordination and command center. Another meeting of the national hurricane committee will be held in order to re-evaluate the state of affairs. The chairmen of the village hurricane committees also still have to get together and present their report on the state of affairs in relation to each village. Those present at the meeting were: Head Nurse Naomi Wilson from the A.M. Edward's Medical Center; Harbour Master Alva Hassell; Head of Public Works Hendrick Hassell; Head of the Planning Department Robert Zagers; Police Major W. Victoria; Fire Chief Arthur Hassell; GEBE Manager Dexter Johnson; and a representative of the Saba University School of Medicine. PHOTO CUTLINE: EOC Center nearing completion. Photo by Roddy Heyliger Roddy Heyliger Communications Consultant - Caribbean Information Provider Email: medprocomm AT email.com Tel. (00 599) 544-3064, 544-3829, Cell: (00 599) 592720, Voice Mail: 564217 Fax: (00 599) 544-3319 St. Maarten, Dutch West Indies Visit St. Maarten/Saba Web Sites: www.mrstm.com For Caribbean Vacancies visit: www.caribbeanjobfair.com |
| - Governor Concerned About Airport/Harbour Facilities |
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Governor Concerned About Airport and Harbour Facilities in the event of a Hurricane Strike THE BOTTOM, Saba - Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier stated that his greatest source of concern is the Fort Bay Harbour and in particular the Capt. L.A.I. Chance Pier. The Chance Pier suffered serious damage last November from Hurricane Lenny storm surge. There is a large gap measuring 65 meters in the breakwater. "The pier has very little protection, and it won't require a big hurricane to cause further damage, only a Tropical Storm," Solagnier stated. The Capt. L.A.I. Chance Pier provides berthing space for cargo vessels, dive boats, fishing vessels, inter-island ferries as well as other pleasure craft. A study was done about the damage and the funds for the reconstruction was approved by the Federal Government to the tune of an estimated Naf.6 million. However, six months after Lenny and now into a new hurricane season, the funds still have not been released, and the Dutch Government has to review the plans for the reconstruction of the harbour. Solagnier stated that the Island Government and the National Hurricane Committee will study alternatives in relation to the Juancho Yrausquin Airport and the Capt. L.A.I. Chance Pier. "I don't expect the prefab building at the airport to withstand hurricane force winds eventhough quiet some effort has gone into making the building as strong as possible. "Preparations will be taken to secure the equipment. Its regrettable to think what after, but last year people had to work out of cars and this could only be done for a very short time. There are no easy answers. We can replace the building with another temporary one which is a costly measure, but will have to be done. "The harbour is much more difficult to plan for. You can't import a temporary harbour. What we will have to look into is how to land equipment, materials and other items in the event the big pier what is left of it is seriously damaged and made un-useable. Its better to be prepared and know what can be done," Solagnier wanted to assure the people of Saba. The Governor also plans on informing the Federal and Kingdom Governments about Saba's needs and vulnerabilities. The Antillean Disaster Coordinating Organization Stirana, as well as international organizations, will also be informed about the extent of the situation. Solagnier pointed our that Stirana suffers from a cash flow shortage and is not able to properly carry out its responsibilities. He feels that the Federal Government should reserve additional funds for the organization which would allow it to deploy equipment and resources immediately after a disaster. The utility company GEBE as well as the Saba Telephone Company, will be asked to have essential equipment and resources on hand which would allow for the quick restoration of electricity and telecommunications, in the event the networks were knocked out. In conclusion Solagnier stated that Saba was better prepared with Lenny than with Hurricane Georges. "We recently reviewed the steps taken and in hindsight, we were better prepared this time. We had materials on hand and people knew what had to be done. Most buildings rebuilt after Georges withstood Lenny better," Solagnier pointed out. PHOTO CUTLINE: Capt. L.A.I. Chance Pier: 65 meter gash in the breakwater protection, leaving the pier exposed to possible storm surge which could render the port facility un-useable, affecting the dive tourism, the fishing sector as well as the tourism sector in relation to tourists who visit the island by boat. Photo by Roddy Heyliger Roddy Heyliger Communications Consultant - Caribbean Information Provider Email: medprocomm AT email.com sabagis AT hotmail.com |
| - Saba Prepares for Hurricane Season 2000 |
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Series of Meetings to be Held in Relation to Hurricane Preparations THE BOTTOM, Saba - According to Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier who is responsible for Disaster Management, a series of meetings will be held during the months of June and July in relation to hurricane preparations for the Island Territory of Saba. The Governor stated that not much has been done leading up to the beginning of the hurricane season. This he stated is due to the fact that the island was still re-cooperating from Hurricane Lenny. However, personnel from the Department of Public Works (DOW) have been busy checking hurricane shutters on government buildings and also replacing these where necessary. Members of DOW were also busy building retaining walls in areas that were affected by hurricane Lenny flooding such as the Chalk Hole which is a section of road between the villages of St. John's and The Bottom, and the road leading to the Fort Bay Harbour. The National Hurricane Committee will be meeting within the next two weeks to review the last hurricane season, and to take stock in relation to the 2000 Hurricane Season. Village Hurricane Committee meetings will follow once the National Hurricane Committee has had its first meeting. Another meeting is scheduled with the Royal Dutch Marines in relation to cooperation and coordination as well as with the Red Cross. The Red Cross building at the Cove Bay has been completed and a vehicle will also be brought in to be used in the event of a disaster. Solagnier would like to review the situation and coordinate a plan of action with the latter organization in relation to responsibilities, resources and manpower. The loose galvanize at the landfill also has the attention of the Executive Council. Solagnier pointed out that the Council has been discussing the matter and a proposal to have the galvanize buried in a similar fashion as was done after Hurricane Georges. On Tuesday June 6 government officials started with an assessment of areas where debris is located. These areas are being identified in relation to a clean-up campaign that is to be started. Solagnier is urging all residents to also make it a priority with the cleaning up of items around their yards. Roddy Heyliger Saba Government Information Service (SabaGIS) |
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