In response to the possible threat of Tropical Storm Ernesto, government’s National Hazard Management Council (NHMC) today (Friday, 3 August) convened its first meeting of this year’s hurricane season – and the first such meeting to be chaired by Deputy Governor the Hon. Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon, JP.

The Cayman Islands (especially Grand Cayman) is now in the ‘Alert’ phase – 72 hours before possibly being affected by Ernesto.

Based on its current path, the ‘Watch’ stage (48-hours before) begins tomorrow afternoon, Ernesto is expected to be south-east of Jamaica by Sunday morning; west of that island by Monday morning; and about 150 miles south-west of Grand Cayman by Tuesday morning.

Government workers spent Friday afternoon securing the main government administration building, while others (such as PWD shuttering crews and the hurricane shelter staff) have been put on alert.

“The civil service should ensure the continuity of government’s operations,” said Mr. Manderson. He noted that a decision will be made by Sunday afternoon if offices will open for business or not.

Some 30 senior officers, representing critical response agencies, such as the Meteorology Office, the Health Services Authority and RCIPS, attended the Friday afternoon meeting.

Residents and businesses may see regular updates on the HMCI’s website (CaymanPrepared.ky) as well as its Facebook and Twitter accounts; or stay tuned to Radio Cayman.

Photos by Information Officers Bina Mani and Lennon Christian