A press conference was held at the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRM) on Monday to alert Bahamians on the islands in the southeast and central Bahamas of an impending storm.  Hurricane Oscar made its way into The Bahamas over the weekend impacting the island of Inagua then made its way to Cuba where it was expected to make a U-turn back towards Long Island, Crooked Island and surrounding islands.

Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. Chester Cooper was in attendance at the press event.   He advised residents to be vigilant and to prepare for the storm.  “This includes identifying your nearest shelter, stocking up on appropriate supplies like water and non perishable food items and securing properties and personal effects.”

Mr. Cooper also appealed to residents to check on their family and neighbours.  He said, “don’t go it alone, check in on your friends, extended families and neighbours.  Let’s come together and be strong as we usually are when confronted with these circumstances.”

During his remarks Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Leon Lundy revealed that officials were continually meeting with island administrators to ensure that they are prepared.  He said, “we will continue to inform the public as the situation evolves and we stand ready to act wherever needed.”

Lundy added, “supplementary items including water, personal hygiene products, dry goods and perishable food items have been loaded up by the teams from the DRM Authority and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force for shipment to the storm impacted residents.”

Hurricane Oscar weakened to a tropical storm before its move back to The Bahamas.