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- Fw: SabaGIS - Johnson Grateful 2002 Hurricane Season is over
  • From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
  • Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2002 17:46:41 -0400
 

News Release
 
Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Saba Government Information Service (SGIS), Island Territory Government of Saba, Dutch West Indies
 
For Immediate Release: Monday, December 09 2002
 
Johnson Grateful 2002 Hurricane Season is over
 
THE BOTTOM, Saba (SGIS) – Leader of Government Commissioner Will Johnson is grateful that the 2002 Hurricane Season is over and that the island was spared with the exception of severe weather activity early October that caused some considerable damage to telecommunications along with some damage to the road network.  Many persons suffered damaged to household appliances.
 
Johnson told the Saba Government Information Service (SGIS) that residents have to give thanks and praise.  “The Island Government as well as residents took the necessary precautions early in the season.
 
“Based on our experience with Hurricanes Georges, Lenny and Jose, the Saba people have re-enforced their homes and those constructing new homes have done so in a manner where they are hurricane resistant,” Johnson stated on Monday.
 
Commissioner responsible for Public Housing Lisa Hassell, told SGIS that the island’s housing foundation, Own Your Own Home (OYOH) is working along with the Dutch housing foundation out of Eindhoven, Hertog Hendrik van Lotharingen (HHVL), in making public housing as well as private homes more hurricane resistant.  This project should get underway early next year.
 
“We are all aware that we live in the hurricane belt and the only precaution that we can take is to be prepared and take the necessary measures to make ones home hurricane resistant.  It only takes one hurricane to wreak havoc and this past season we have been lucky,” Commissioner Hassell pointed out.
 
Overall for 2002, there were 12 named storms, of which four became hurricanes.  Hurricanes Lili and Isidore were classified as major category three or higher on the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Scale.
 
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that a strengthening El Nino suppressed the number of hurricanes and weakened storms therefore resulting only in four hurricanes, half the number seen in typical seasons since 1995.
At the end of the season December always brings the first hurricane forecast for the coming year.  Colorado State University Professor William Gray for the 2003 season is forecasting above average activity with 12 named storms.
 
Eight of these are expected to become hurricanes, three of them intense hurricanes with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or more.  Gray projects increased activity for 2003 in large part due to a predicted end of the current El Nino conditions and anticipation of warm sea-surface temperatures in the north and tropical Atlantic.    
 
###
 
Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant
Saba Government Information Service (SGIS) 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant
 
MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications
 
Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-(0)5564217
Fax 599-544-3319
 
P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.
- Update
  • From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
  • Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2002 14:13:05 -0300 (Atlantic Daylight Time)
We've had light rain on and off here  today. Last night we had a lot of thunder and lightning. All day today it has been "misty" with rumbles of thunder all morning. The rain actually has not been heavy for the most part. the wind are light.
Right now the thunder seems to have subsided and it is not raining but the skies are still quite gray and cloudy.
It's a good day to stay in bed with a good book, I think
Barbara
- Update
  • From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
  • Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2002 13:48:37 -0300 (Atlantic Daylight Time)
All quiet in St. Maarten. gray cloudy skies but no rain today so far. yesterday we had several squalls with heavy rain and gusty wind, but nothing serious at all.
we haven't seen the  sun much these past few days. I would imagine the tourists aren't too happy.
 
- SxmGIS - EOC Coordinator Says to Monitor Weather Reports for Balance of Hurricane Season
  • From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
  • Date: Sun, 22 Sep 2002 19:40:14 -0400
News Release
 
Prepared by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Dept. Head Erno Labega
 
For Immediate Release: Sunday, September 22, 2002
 
EOC Coordinator Says to Monitor Weather Reports for Balance of Hurricane Season
 
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – Fire Commander and Coordinator of the Office of Disaster Management Winston Salomon, is calling on the community to monitor weather reports closely as the 2002 Hurricane Season still has a little over two-months to go.
 
“Colorado State University Hurricane forecaster William Gray, cut the number of named storms he expects to develop during this hurricane season from 13 to nine and then eight.
 
“Today, we have 11 named storms with Kyle being the 11th, and another system in the Eastern Atlantic known as Tropical Depression 13 which may become a Tropical Storm within short.
 
“I am urging residents to keep a watchful eye of the weather and to keep your hurricane preparations up to standard so you will be ready in case a storm does come this way,” Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.
 
Salomon added that even though the height of the hurricane season of mid-September has surpassed, there has been an increase in weather systems forming in the Eastern Atlantic and closer attention by the community in order to avoid being caught off guard is warranted for the next two-months.
 
PHOTO CUTLINE:
Fire Commander/ Coordinator of the Office of Disaster Management Winston Salomon.
GIS Photo
 

Prepared by Roddy Heyliger
Government Information Service (GIS)  
 
 
Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant
 
MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications
 
Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 5564217
Tel. 599-544-3064 Fax 544-3319
 
P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

Salomon, Winston.jpg
- Update
  • From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
  • Date: Sun, 22 Sep 2002 14:02:37 -0300 (Atlantic Daylight Time)
The entire Northern Caribbean is watching TD 13. there is a good chance we will get some "weather" from it.
I do not think it will be too strong, however, and will  probably be more of a nuisance than anything. I hope!!!!
- SxmGIS - ROB Takes Precautionary Measures in the Advent of Heavy Rainfall Over the Weekend
  • From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
  • Date: Sun, 1 Sep 2002 15:56:30 -0400
News Release
 
Prepared by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Dept. Head Erno Labega
 
For Immediate Release: Friday, August 30, 2002
 
ROB Takes Precautionary Measures in the Advent of Heavy Rainfall Over the Weekend  
 
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – Claudius “Toontje” Buncamper from Head of the Maintenance Department at Sector Environmental Development & Property Management (ROB), told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Friday that ROB started on Friday to take precautionary measures in the advent of heavy rainfall from a weather system that was located East of the islands of the Northeastern Caribbean on Friday.
 
Personnel from ROB could be seen on clearing trenches and the mouths of the aforementioned to assure that they won’t get clogged up.
 
He added that on Saturday ROB personnel will be busy continuing with their efforts as a pro-active measure to mitigate any heavy rainfall that might be expected. 
 
“We have checked all of our pumps and they are in the standby mode that in case of heavy rainfall, immediate action can be taken to deal with the access water that would go automatically into the Great Salt Pond and the Fresh Water Pond from the surrounding residential areas.
 
“Measures have also been put into place at the channel near the Great Bay Hotel.  In case we need to use that channel to leave the access water flow out of the pond, heavy equipment will be immediately available for that purpose to open the channel,” Buncamper said on Friday.
 
Buncamper added that the water in the Great Salt Pond was already at a low level while that in the Fresh Water Pond would be monitored closely in anticipation of any heavy rainfall.
 
Roddy Heyliger
Government Information Service (GIS)
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant
 
MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications
 
Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 5564217
Tel. 599-544-3064 Fax 544-3319
 
P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.
- Fw: SxmGIS - 13 National Hurricane Shelters Available to Accommodate 2200 Persons for 2002 Hurricane Season
  • From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
  • Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2002 09:44:00 -0400
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2002 5:38 PM
Subject: SxmGIS - 13 National Hurricane Shelters Available to Accommodate 2200 Persons for 2002 Hurricane Season

News Release
 
Prepared by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Dept. Head Erno Labega
 
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July 24, 2002
 
13 National Hurricane Shelters Available to Accommodate 2200 Persons for 2002 Hurricane Season
 
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – On Wednesday Sector Welfare which is Emergency Support Function 7 (ESF-7), made known the names of 13 national hurricane shelters for the season.
 
The shelters will be opened to the public 24-hours prior to a hurricane strike.  The 13 shelters will also be clearly marked with a sign designating as an official shelter.
 
Persons who feel their homes are not adequate enough to withstand a hurricane can make use of one of the 13 shelters.  More than one shelter will be available in challenging and vulnerable districts near shack communities.
 
Fire Commander and Disaster Management Coordinator Winston Salomon, told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Wednesday, that shelters should be used as a last option, and is encouraging residents to make sure their homes are hurricane-ready.
 
The national hurricane shelters once opened will be managed by the Red Cross and other groups.  Once it has been determined that persons have become homeless after the passing of a hurricane, one of the 13 shelters will be designated as a central shelter for the homeless.
 
The island’s disaster management system comprises of 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESF).  Each ESF has a specific role to play during the event of an emergency.
 
The general public is advised to listen to their radio and TV stations weather reports with emphasis on the Caribbean in order to keep abreast of any possible threats.
 
The Island Government’s Emergency Alert System (EAS) on radio frequency 107.9 FM, will also be used to alert and prepare the nation for any national disaster.
 
2002 Hurricane Shelter Listing
 
Simpson Bay/Cole Bay Area
1. Simpson Bay Social Cultural Recreational Foundation Building (Behind the Regina & Butterfly Schools)
2. Christian Fellowship Church (Welfare Road #95, The Corner)
3. Praise Tabernacle Church (Wrigley Street #3, Cole Bay)
4. Salvation Army Building (Union Road, Cole Bay)
5. Charles Leopold “Polly” Bell School (Union Road, Cole Bay)
 
Cay Hill Area
6. Sea Breeze Hotel (Welgelegen Road, Cay Hill, road leading to the Hospital)
 
St. Peters/South Reward/Cul de Sac Area
7. Rupert Maynard Community Center (St. Peters Road)
8. Milton Peters College (Reward Road)
 
Dutch Quarter/Middle Region Area
9. Dutch Quarter Community Center (Zorg en Rust, next to the Dr. martin Luther King School)
10. Zr. Marie Laurence School (Middle Region Road)
 
Upper Princess Quarter/Sucker Garden/Hope Estate Area
11. Senior Citizens’ Recreation Center (Hope Estate)
 
Philipsburg Area
12. New Testament Baptist Church (C.A. Cannegieter Str. #35-A, across the Clem Labega Square next to Kentucky Fried Chicken)
 
Pointe Blanche Area
13. Rama Hotel Apartments (Ground Dove Road #25)
 

BE PREPARED – Have a Place to Go
 
Develop a family hurricane preparedness plan before an actual storm threatens your area.  If your family hurricane preparedness plan includes evacuation to a safer location, then it is important to consider the following points:
 
First of all, find out where the designated national hurricane shelter is located nearest you.  You should know this before the threat of a hurricane.  For this information, you can call the Office of Disaster Management at 542-1215.
 
If you feel unsafe in your home, know exactly which route you will take to travel to the shelter. 
 
Remember, shelters are not designed for comfort.  Bring your Disaster Supply Kit with you to the shelter.
 
Pets are not allowed in the shelter.  Make arrangements before hand to secure your pet.  You can check with the Animal Welfare Organization for tips and suggestions.
 
Bring along medication that you use.
 
Important documents should be secured in a waterproof container.  These documents would include passport, insurance papers, medical papers etc.
 
Bring some bottled water, clothing, special items for babies and the elderly, toiletries, moisture wipes.
 
 
 
Information provided by the Office of Disaster Management and the Government Information Service (GIS)
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant
 
MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications
 
Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 5564217
Tel. 599-544-3064 Fax 544-3319
 
P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.
- =?Windows-1252?Q?Fw:_SxmGIS_-_Island=92s_Disaster_Emergency_Management_Bo?==?Windows-1252?Q?dies_Meet_Tuesday_for_an_Assessment?=
  • From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
  • Date: Sun, 30 Jun 2002 18:20:00 -0400
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, June 30, 2002 5:21 PM
Subject: SxmGIS - Island’s Disaster Emergency Management Bodies Meet Tuesday for an Assessment

News Release
 
Prepared by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Dept. Head Erno Labega
 
For Immediate Release: Sunday, June 30, 2002
 
Island’s Disaster Emergency Management Bodies Meet Tuesday for an Assessment
 
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – Fire Commander and Disaster Management Coordinator Winston Salomon, told the Government Information Service (GIS), that representatives from the Island Government’s Emergency Disaster Management system, will be meeting on Tuesday morning to review the nation’s state of preparedness with reference to the 2002 hurricane season.
 
Salomon told GIS that government officials representing the 10-Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) will take stock of preparations such as the situation with emergency disaster shelters, the status of non-governmental organizations, as well as the status with contractors.
 
“Disaster management is a multi-sectoral activity that requires appropriate resources and proper coordination to facilitate the desired response for a hurricane strike.
 
“The planning for the management of such a disaster must be well organized at all levels within the public and private sector, to ensure that resources are used in an efficient and effective manner.
 
“These types of meetings allow us to strengthen the disaster preparedness chain that promotes an effective reaction to a hurricane disaster situation,” Salomon told GIS on Sunday.
 
Salomon added that the Fire Department/Office of Disaster Management in cooperation with the GIS, will be launching a hurricane awareness campaign for the month of July.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant
 
MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications
 
Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 5564217
Tel. 599-544-3064 Fax 544-3319
 
P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.
- Fw: SxmGIS - Island Government to Embark Upon Island-wide Clean-up
  • From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
  • Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 08:25:16 -0400
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2002 6:14 PM
Subject: SxmGIS - Island Government to Embark Upon Island-wide Clean-up

News Release
 
Prepared by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Dept. Head Erno Labega
 
For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 27, 2002
 
Island Government to Embark Upon Island-wide Clean-up
 
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – The Island Government has approved plans for a clean-up of the South side of the island in preparation for the 2002 hurricane season.
 
Sector Director of Environmental Development & Property Management (ROB) Lionel Coombs, told the Government Information Service (GIS) that the clean-up campaign is similar to those carried out in previous years.
 
The first district area selected for the clean-up is Cole Bay/Simpson Bay and surrounding areas, for the weekend of July 06.  Residents will be asked to place small and large debris outside their yard along the side of the public road.  Further information will follow next week.
 
Coombs added that he would like to commend the Disaster Committee of the St. Peters Community Council by taking the initiative and calling on the residents of St. Peters to clean-up their surroundings.
 
“Social and civic organizations play a very important role in our communities, and I am appealing to them and their members to assist their communities as the Island Government clean-up effort moves through the various districts during the month of July,” Coombs told GIS.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant
 
MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications
 
Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 5564217
Tel. 599-544-3064 Fax 544-3319
 
P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.
- Fw: SxmGIS - Fire Department/Disaster Management Office to Launch Hurricane Awareness Preparation Campaign
  • From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
  • Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 08:25:04 -0400
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2002 6:13 PM
Subject: SxmGIS - Fire Department/Disaster Management Office to Launch Hurricane Awareness Preparation Campaign

News Release
 
Prepared by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Dept. Head Erno Labega
 
For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 27, 2002
 
Fire Department/Disaster Management Office to Launch Hurricane Awareness Preparation Campaign
 
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – Fire Commander and Disaster Management Coordinator Winston Salomon, told the Government Information Service (GIS), that his department will be launching a hurricane awareness campaign during the month of July.
 
Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS) that the focus of the campaign will be to inform the public about the various preparations that government and non-governmental organizations have been in the process of taking in relation to the 2002 Hurricane Season.
 
The awareness campaign will kick-off next week and involve members of the Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) that form part of the Island Government’s national disaster management system.
 
The departments theme for this season is to, “Be Prepared.”  Salomon is appealing to residents to take the necessary precautions now and not to wait until the last minute.
 
The awareness campaign according to Salomon will complement the activities and awareness that is already being carried out by private entities.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant
 
MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications
 
Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 5564217
Tel. 599-544-3064 Fax 544-3319
 
P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.
- Fw: SxmGIS - Operation Hurex 2002 Gets Underway Wednesday
  • From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
  • Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 17:55:50 -0400
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2002 6:09 PM
Subject: SxmGIS - Operation Hurex 2002 Gets Underway Wednesday

News Release
 
Prepared by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Dept. Head Erno Labega
 
For Immediate Release: Monday, June 10, 2002
 
Operation Hurex 2002 Gets Underway Wednesday
 
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – Operation Hurricane Exercise (Hurex 2002) gets underway on Wednesday, Fire Commander and Disaster Management Coordinator Winston Salomon, told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Monday.
 
Operation Hurex 2002 entails military, disaster management personnel from several Emergency Support Functions (ESF) as well as a private firm, carrying out a disaster simulation in the Cay Bay area.
 
Disaster Management Coordinator Salomon, says that Hurex 2002 is a training exercise that tests the preparation and resources of disaster emergency personnel and organs pertaining to that specific emergency situation.
 
“It is important that we have these training drills from time to time in order for everyone to know what their roles and tasks are.  The beginning of the hurricane season is a time when such events are planned and put into motion.
 
“Operation Hurex 2002 also includes Dutch military forces.  All entities working together need to be familiar with each other as well as the environment that they working in.  “The exercise offers this type of cooperation to take place,” Salomon said on Monday. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant
 
MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications
 
Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 5564217
Tel. 599-544-3064 Fax 544-3319
 
P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.
- Fw: SxmGIS - Be Prepared, for Hurricane Season 2002
  • From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
  • Date: Sat, 1 Jun 2002 12:28:35 -0400
 

News Release
 
Prepared by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Dept. Head Erno Labega
 
For Immediate Release: Friday, May 31, 2002
 
“Be Prepared,” for Hurricane Season 2002
 
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – The 2002 Hurricane Season will officially start Saturday, June 1.  Fire Commander and Disaster Management Coordinator Winston Salomon, is advising all residents not to let their guard down and to, “Be Prepared.”
 
Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS) that residents need to be pro-active in relation to hurricane preparedness and planning.  “Eventhough Hurricane specialist William M. Gray from the Colorado State University has described the 2002 season to be a near average season, we still need to be prepared,” Salomon said.
 
Gray on Friday released his latest forecasts of 11 names storms instead of 13, of which six will become hurricanes (earlier forecasts was eight), of which two will reach the category of intense (earlier forecasts was four).  Hurricane specialist Gray’s forecasts has been described as a modest downward adjustment.
 
An awareness campaign by the Office of Disaster Management will be started shortly.  Salomon says that his department is prepared for any eventuality for the upcoming season.
 
Fire Commander Salomon added that it just takes one hurricane to hit the island and set things backwards.
 
“I call on our community to make the necessary preparations, check your homes to see that everything is in place, and if not, make those necessary repairs in order for your home to be able to withstand a hurricane strike.  Your home is your shelter where you and your family will be sitting out the passing of the storm.
 
“Make sure your yards are clean of debris that could cause damage to other homes and property in your surrounding area.  Don’t wait for the last minute to take the necessary precautions.  You have the time now to do so,” Salomon told GIS.
 
Residents are advised to start monitoring weather reports on Radio and TV for the duration of the hurricane season that starts June 1 until November 30.

The names for the this year's season are:
Arthur
Bertha
Cristobal
Dolly
Edouard
Fay
Gustav
Hanna
Isidore
Josephine
Kyle
Lili
Marco
Nana
Omar
Paloma
Rene
Sally
Teddy
Vicky
Wilfred
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant
 
MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications
 
Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 5564217
Tel. 599-544-3064 Fax 544-3319
 
P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

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