All schools in Tobago and Trinidad have been closed as a safety precaution due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
The closure of the schools in Trinidad was announced by the Ministry of Education via a media release yesterday evening.
“Unless a further advisory from the Ministry of Education is issued, schools will re-open Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024, except where clean-up operations in schools may be necessary. In such cases, parents will be advised directly through the school’s principal.”
Yesterday, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Faris Al-Rawi led two news conferences to update the population on the hurricane and placed citizens in both Tobago and Trinidad on high alert.
However, public sector workers will have to turn up for work.
Minister Al-Rawi said, “At this point, the public service is required to function in the State and we do have a situation where each ministry will take its own steps to see how to manage its portfolio.”
Private sector businesses were asked to manage their own affairs regarding opening and working hours.
National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds indicated that all arms of national security were on high alert.
He said Chief of Defence Staff Air Vice Marshall Darryl Daniel had assured that additional members of the Defence Force had been sent to Tobago to assist.
Minister Hinds added that the Fire Service had also taken important steps to respond to any eventualities.
“They have deployed search and rescue teams and are in a state of readiness both in Tobago and in Trinidad,” Hinds said.
Al-Rawi also explained that 134 shelters had been opened in all the regional corporations and 11 locations were identified for free parking to assist people who live in flood-prone areas.
However, he said there will be no park-and-ride system put in place.
Earlier in the day when the first news conference was held, Al-Rawi issued a warning of severe flooding and powerful winds. Citizens were urged to take immediate precautions to safeguard lives and property.
“There has been full saturation of the soils over the past two days, and with the expected rainfall until Wednesday, we are facing significant risks,” Al-Rawi said.
Highlighting the importance of tides, he warned, “High tides and low tides are crucial to monitor. Expect flooding issues with rivers and tributaries. Residents in low-lying areas must secure their livestock, and valuables, and ensure their electrical systems are safe.”
Also at that news conference was Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan, who assured that equipment has been strategically placed to manage potential landslips and fallen trees.
“We are prepared; there’s no need to panic. We ask for cooperation from all citizens to restore normalcy as swiftly as possible,” Sinanan said.
In response to potential power and water emergencies, Minister of Public Utilities Marvin Gonzales announced measures by T&TEC and WASA. These include activating the Area Command Centre in Scarborough, staging mobile generators and ensuring emergency crews are on standby.
WASA has also relocated heavy equipment to the windward side of Tobago and stationed standby generators at key locations. Chemicals have been stockpiled and storage reservoirs are filled to capacity, Gonzales said.
“These measures ensure that T&TEC and WASA are fully prepared to respond effectively to any emergencies,” Gonzales stated.