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  • 3 weeks ago
As preparations continue for the 2026 season which begins on June 1st, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has noted the billions in losses experienced in Jamaica last year by hurricane Melissa and the need for Tobago to prepare.

The Chief Secretary spoke at TEMA's Atlantic Hurricane Season Preparedness Stakeholder Workshop on Monday, at the Shaw Park Complex.

More from Elizabeth Williams.
Transcript
00:00Jamaica actually ran this as the highest recorded economic loss in
00:092025 accounting for US $10 billion. Imagine that for a moment. Imagine if we were to trade
00:18place with Jamaica, US $10 million. That's at least $70 billion. The chief secretary spoke at
00:35Tima's Atlantic hurricane season preparedness stakeholder workshop on Monday at the Shore
00:40Park complex. Mr. Augustine noted that while forecasts indicate a less active season, it
00:47only takes one storm to cause significant impact and damage.
00:52We are happy that the forecasters are saying we should have a less active season and you
00:59should see shortly from here after the break from the Met Office and they will tell you
01:06pretty much the same thing. But remember all it takes is just one. So if in this season
01:14all that comes across our pathways, one good one, that can be enough to cause significant damage.
01:25He emphasized that preparedness remains our strongest defense, reminding all to remain
01:32vigilant and proactive. Drunk or sober, mind your business.
01:36So we're not totally out of the woods, notwithstanding the El Nido phenomenon that we are experiencing
01:46right now. And so our best bet is to prepare. As I said, drunk or sober, mind your business. It
01:56means
01:57that we are to prepare ourselves for the possibility of flash flooding, possibility of landslides,
02:06coastal erosion to continue happening.
02:09Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
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