There is no national shutdown. Acting Prime Minister Dale Marshall issued this statement a few minutes ago as the effects of Tropical Storm Kirk began to take effect.
A subsequent announcement from the Department of Emergency Management supported this initial statement but urged the public to exercise caution and continue to monitor the passage of Tropical Storm Kirk.
The DEM statement said the decision to not issue a national shutdown came following the advice of Acting Director of the Barbados Meteorological Service, Sonia Nurse, in consultation with the National Emergency Operations Centre this morning.
As Tropical Storm Kirk approached, Nurse said heavier rains were expected as the day progressed, and noted it may become necessary to issue a flood watch or warning.
Barbados remains under Tropical Storm Warning. The last update, at 5 am, placed Tropical Storm Kirk at 13.5°N 58.3°W, moving on a Northwest North path at 16 miles per hour. Its centre is expected to pass 50 miles north of Barbados.
While it will be business as usual for both public and private sectors, public daycare centres, nurseries, primary, secondary and tertiary institutions will remain closed. The public is also reminded that all of the beaches from the entrance of St. Lawrence Gap to the entrance of the Richard Haynes Boardwalk at Accra Beach, Christ Church, were closed from 6.00 p.m. yesterday, until midday on Saturday, September 29.
This is necessary to facilitate the opening of the sluice gate at Worthing, Christ Church, for the duration of the inclement weather, to control the water levels in the Graeme Hall Swamp. (AD/BGIS)
