Good evening.
This morning, I received a full briefing from the Disaster Risk Management Authority and the Bahamas Department of Meteorology on the latest forecasts for Hurricane Melissa.
Based on their advice, my government has issued an evacuation order for residents in Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, and Ragged Island.
That decision was made in consultation with all relevant agencies.
It is precautionary and designed to ensure that residents in the most vulnerable islands are relocated before conditions deteriorate.
The safety of our people remains our highest priority.
We are also mindful of the impact this storm is already having on our regional neighbours. I extend the prayers and support of the Bahamian people to Jamaica, as well as to the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Haiti, who are enduring the full force of Hurricane Melissa.
We are coordinating with CARICOM partners and stand ready to assist if called upon.
At this stage, forecasts indicate that Hurricane Melissa will primarily impact the Southeast Bahamas, with tropical storm to hurricane conditions expected from early Tuesday into Wednesday.
The Central Bahamas may experience occasional rainbands and gusty conditions as the system passes to the south.
The Northern and Northwest Bahamas are not expected to be impacted.
All government systems are now operating under the national disaster response framework.
The Disaster Risk Management Authority is coordinating directly with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Family Island Administrations, Public Hospitals Authority, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Social Services, and Bahamas Power and Light.
Pre-positioned supplies have been deployed to the Southeast and Central Bahamas.
Air and maritime assets are in place for transport and evacuation support.
Shelters across the affected islands have been inspected, staffed, and are now operational.
I want to commend the teams working under difficult circumstances to protect lives and property particularly our Family Island Administrators, local government officials, and members of the National Emergency Operations Centre.
I also wish to recognize the National Youth Guard, whose members are actively assisting with shelter operations, logistics, and public safety coordination. Their professionalism reflects the discipline and readiness we expect of national service.
To the residents of the Southeast Bahamas, please follow the evacuation orders. Do not wait until conditions worsen. Once the storm begins to impact your area, movement will be restricted and emergency operations will become more difficult.
For residents across the Central Bahamas, continue to monitor official updates and be alert for any changes in conditions.
This is the time to secure property, protect essential documents, and ensure family safety plans are in place.
The government has taken all necessary steps to ensure that our response is organized, resourced, and effective. However, preparedness at the community and household level remains critical.
I also want to caution the public against the spread of misinformation. Please rely only on official updates issued by the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, the Disaster Risk Management Authority, and the Office of the Prime Minister. Unverified reports create confusion and put lives at risk.
This is a serious storm, and it is being met with a serious, coordinated response.
To all Bahamians and residents, please stay informed, and act responsibly. The DRM Authority is fully engaged in this effort to protect lives and minimize risk.
We will continue to provide timely updates as the situation develops.
I will now turn this press conference over to the Managing Director and Minister of State, Leon Lundy, who will provide further details on the steps we are taking and important information regarding evacuations and emergency procedures.