Afternoon News Update for St Maarten

[Cyclone Runner]

Sent: Monday, August 30, 2004 1:10 PM

Subject: SMPA - Harbor Facilities prepare for Hurricane Frances; Cargo operations have ceased until further notice

News Release
 
Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Harbor Group of Companies, Pointe Blanche, St. Maarten N.A.; St. Maarten Ports Authority Managing Director Rommel Charles Tel. 00-599-542-2307; St. Maarten Harbour Holding Company Managing Director Mark Mingo Tel. 00-599-542-8504
 
For Immediate Release: Monday, August 30, 2004
 
Harbor Facilities prepare for Hurricane Frances; Cargo operations have ceased until further notice
 
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten - All cargo operations at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities have ceased until further notice as harbor authorities prepare for the approach of Hurricane Francis.

Managing Director of the St. Maarten Ports Authority (SMPA) Rommel Charles, says that the SMPA has activated its Hurricane Preparedness Plan in preparation for tropical storm conditions that are expected within the next 24 hours.

Charles added that the last cargo vessel at the cargo quay left port Sunday night.  One cruise ship is scheduled for Tuesday, August 31.  However it is uncertain whether conditions would be suitable for docking at that time.  No cruise ships were scheduled for Monday.

On Monday morning harbor personnel have been busy removing signs, potted plants, light fixtures, in preparation for storm conditions.  The harbor grounds have also been inspected for any loose materials that could pose a threat.  The cargo crane has been placed in hurricane position at a designated location.

Containers located near the apron close to the quay are being removed further towards the hillside in case sea swells top the quay.

"Ground swells have started to build and we are battening down and taking the necessary precautions to protect the facility.  Our hurricane plan is well prepared in advance of the season and updated annually.

"Precautionary preparations are also being undertaken at Harbor Point.  We have also sent out our pilot boat for safe haven in the Simpson Bay Lagoon.  We have been coordinating with the SLAC Lagoon Authority with reference to bridge openings etc.

"We have made an assessment of the Great Bay Area as well as the Simpson Bay Area and advised the majority of vessels to seek  safe haven.  We have also informed shipping agents about our status in preparation for Hurricane Frances," Rommel Charles stated on Monday.  

Roddy Heyliger
Harbor Group of Companies

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
@ Government Communications
@ Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody@sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5529397, 5564217

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.


APCEDI
http://www.afap.org/apcedi

[schmita]

Extremely hot and humid. No air to speak of. Heavy grey clouds over head. South facing beaches have significant erosion. Not all gone as some have said. Kim Sha beach has "WAVES" . This beach is like glass most times.
Residents feel we dodged this one. Not over yet I guess.
Schools closed tomorrow, Govt offices closed at 3PM today. Most businesses closed early to give residents time to prepare.
That's it for now.
Irina