fp Turks and Caicos

His Excellency the Gov. Gordon Wetherell issued this statement at 5:30 p.m. concerning the arrival of Royal Navy vessels to aid in recovery after Hurricane Tomas.

 By now many of you, especially residents in Providenciales, will be experiencing the initial effects of Hurricane Tomas. Tomas is a category one hurricane with sustained winds of up to 85 mph possibly gusting even higher.

The Department of Disaster Management have been making preparations throughout the week in close cooperation with Engineering and Maintenance Services, the police and other agencies in anticipation of this storm.

Recognising that the eye of the storm is passing closest to Providenciales, I have taken steps to provide additional support to the Provo Disaster Management Team. Mark Capes, the Chief Executive, will also be working closely with the Provo team.

The Royal Navy ship HMS Manchester and the supply vessel Wave Ruler are currently making their way to the TCI. They should arrive off the coast of Providenciales tomorrow morning. HMS Manchester will provide immediate aerial reconnaissance of the islands and stand ready with her crew to provide any further emergency support and assistance that may be required.

There is no doubt that Tomas should be taken seriously, and I would strongly urge all residents to take careful note of the information and advice that has been issued through the media, not only in preparation but also in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

Residents should by now have completed, or be in the process of completing their own preparations to safeguard themselves and their families, and to secure their properties. Those in the most vulnerable low lying areas that may be liable to flood should have moved or should now move immediately to higher ground or to the shelters that have been opened since 10.00am this morning. There is still space available in the shelters in Providenciales.