IN A MATTER OF HOURS, a tropical disturbance in the Atlantic Ocean was upgraded to a depression, storm and then became powerful Category 4 Hurricane Matthew, on a collision course with the east coasts of Jamaica and Cuba and the western tip of Haiti.
While it was still a disturbance, the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) called for a national shutdown, urging businesses to close at 6 p.m. Tuesday, giving Barbadians time to get home and prepare.
But the expected “bad weather” never struck until close to noon Wednesday, almost 12 hours later than predicted. The decision came in for harsh criticism from those who felt there was overreaction for “a li’l rain”, while others seemed far more concerned about the loss of revenue over the early closure.
Acting director of the DEM Kerry Hinds said they stood by the decision, and that was quite all right for several Barbadians online.
PB: Ms Hinds, your organisation did an excellent job. Those that are complaining are the ones who have this country in the state that it is in, just constantly defying the law and creating a dysfunctional country.
Andrew Power: Lady, no need to reiterate your stance on the decision your department made in the interest of the country. You and others have functioned to the fullest capacity of your professional assignment. Until the naysayers who still living in a fool’s paradise experience the full, unadulterated fury of a weather system the likes of which we have never experienced is when they will wake up, take their heads out their rectums and appreciate the work both the DEM and the Met services are doing. Good job, all uh yuh.
Violeta Patricia Piggott: [You all] made the right decision; don’t be second-guessing now. A job well done, I say.
Karen Farmer Troulan: Decision was made, people had to get home, sometimes two buses have to be taken, then to prepare your house. Problem is, everyone is too complacent and thinks we will never get hit. Better to be safe than sorry.
Ingrid Knight: Keep up the good work, Kerry Hinds. Some Bajans will never understand. God has strategically placed us. Look at where Matthew is at now. We can’t handle a tropical storm, furthermore a hurricane.
Ziggy Blessed: Ignore the fools in Bim. Thank you for sending word. I ain’t hear a soul in Bim die or was injured Tuesday and Wednesday. Keep doing wunna thing!
Danny Colombian Clarke: I know you for a long time, Kerry, and you are a dedicated, serious person with your job. The severe weather I had in my area, despite it being a lot later than anticipated, was proof that the decision was the right one. Also the number of pictures showing flooding, trees down and so on is also there as proof for all to see.
Michele Sobers: The right decision was made, Ms Hinds. No one can control the weather or be 100 per cent sure what Mother Nature will do. It is better to be safe than sorry. I’m sure most hard-working Bajans were glad for the time off from their busy schedules. Thank God The Rock made it through the storm.
• Sherrylyn Toppin is The Nation’s Online Editor.
