Prime Minister Briceño Urges Northern District to Be Prepared

Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the nation in a video statement, as several parts of the country remain under a tropical storm watch. P.M. Briceño returned to the country today from an official visit to Panama. In his address, the head of government expressed solidarity with the CARICOM nations that have been devastated by Hurricane Beryl. He also emphasized the need for those living within the tropical storm watch area, especially in flood prone areas, to make all the necessary preparations. As of tonight, the eye of the hurricane is forecasted to pass north of Belize in the Yucatan Peninsula. And if it stays on today’s projected path, residents in northern Belize will experience potentially damaging wind gusts. Here is a portion of the Prime Minister’s address to the nation.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“My fellow Belizeans, I begin by expressing our solidarity with our CAIRCOM brothers and sisters in Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines who were or are being hit by ferocious Hurricane Beryl. We understand the challenges they are facing and Belize will do its part to aid in the recovery efforts in our sister Caribbean nations. At present, Hurricane Beryl, the first hurricane in this month-old hurricane season is currently weakening considerably. It is forecasted to make landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula late Thursday night or early Friday morning as a category one hurricane. This means it will have sustained winds between seventy-four and ninety-five miles per hour when it makes landfall. Although the eye of the storm is not expected to pass over Belize, this is such a big storm that damaging effects could possibly be felt from Belize city to northern district of Corozal and Orange Walk, as well as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Residents, especially in the north, should brace for strong winds gusting to tropical storm strength and heavy rainfall due to the hurricane’s proximity to the northern part of our country. As of now, from Belize City to Corozal are under a tropical storm watch which will later become a tropical storm warning. Residents in the north should prepare for flooding, especially those in flood prone, low-lying areas. Strong winds may cause some structural damage to homes and may also cause some losses to the agricultural sector. Since we face some damaging impacts from this storm, it is crucial for everyone to be prepared. Please look after your family and friends by ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken for the safety of your loved ones.”