Barbados gives all clear following Tropical Storm Matthew
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Barbados Home Affairs Minister Adriel Brathwaite has lauded the authorities following the passage of Tropical Storm Matthew on Wednesday.
In an address on national television early Thursday, shortly after the all clear was issued, Brathwaite, who is also Attorney General said he was satisfied that the necessary steps were taken to prepare for the system .
“I think I am satisfied that everything worked as we had anticipated. When I left the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) this morning (Thursday) – it was just to ensure that on the roads for example, we got some teams out to clear a few roads, so that when we gave the all-clear, we would be satisfied that people can traverse as safely as possible.”
However he added that it was not all-smooth sailing during the passage of the storm.
“Maybe we had a bit too much traffic on the roads. We did have reports of one or two businesses opening….we wanted as much as possible to ensure that people’s lives are saved.”
Brathwaite also expressed concerned about content exhibited on social media.
“We can’t control social media. It is good and it is bad. We see reports of some concern but we just can’t respond to everything and we can only urge Barbadians that when we have occasions like this, to listen to the official reports , focus on the official reports.”
Meanwhile, in Dominica, the assessment is continuing as schools have been ordered to remain closed until Monday.
Heavy remains from TS Matthew triggered landslides in several areas.
There are also reports of some areas being without water and electricity.