NASSAU, The Bahamas – The National Emergency Management Agency has advised that the Ministry of Finance granted an Exigency Order, permitting residents whose properties were damaged during the severe flood to import goods and items duty free for a period of 90 days.

The Minister of Finance, pursuant to the provisions of the Tariff Act, also declared that the goods be certified by the Director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) or any of his duly appointed agents.

The Ministry of Finance declared that for New Providence the importation of goods are permitted for the said period commencing, Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

The specified items permitted are building materials, electrical fixtures and materials, household furniture, fixtures, furnishing and appliances, freezers and heaters, materials for clean-up or repairs to property including fences and motor vehicles.

These goods specified are intended for the relief of residents in New Providence who suffered loss as a result of flooding occurring on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 and whose claims/applications in respect of such goods have been certified by the Director of NEMA.

Minister Kenred Dorsett M.P.
Minister of the Environment and Housing

RE: Environmental Response in the Wake of Rainstorm

I would like to inform the general public that the Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS) will be placing large trash bins in strategic areas around the island to augment the regular collection of garbage.  This is being done in response to the flooding which occurred within some areas of New Providence last week due to torrential rainfall.

Persons affected by flooding or generally who may need to dispose of damaged items or large items such as furniture, mattresses, drywall etc. should deposit them in one the bins provided.  DEHS will be monitoring the bins to ensure timely collection.  The bins will be available for use on May 31st, 2013 for the period of one week or until June 6th, 2013.

The DEHS would also like to remind members of the public that this weather is conducive for the breeding of mosquitoes.  While vector control is ongoing and will continue whenever weather permits,  residents should use mosquito repellents and ensure wherever possible that they do not keep standing water uncovered around their homes.  

The Ministry of Education: ALL SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE  COUNTRY ARE TO RESUME TODAY.

NASSAU, The Bahamas - A moist unstable air mass continues to linger over The Bahamas creating unsettled weather across the islands, the Bahamas Department of Meteorology has advised.

The weather will be cloudy to overcast and very windy conditions today and tonight, with widespread rain and thunderstorms, some of which can be heavy at times.

The winds will be east to southeast at 20-25 knots this morning but increasing to 20 to 30 knots by this afternoon.

The seas will be running 6 -9 feet this morning but building to 7-11 feet tonight.

That moist unstable air mass that affected the country for the week will gradually move out of the area by Friday night, bringing clearing skies, the Met Department says.

The National Emergency Management Agency will continue to monitor the weather situation until it no longer poses a threat to the country.  Report any concerns to NEMA at 242-322-6081/5