The Prime Minister was also full of praise for the role that various ESFs played in preparing for forecasted heavy rainfall of up to 10 inches that was anticipated for Saturday along with tropical storm conditions with the passing of TS Maria.
The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure took a number of measures such as lowering of water levels in the various ponds; clearing trenches and culverts; securing public sector infrastructure projects and government buildings; pre-positioning heavy and emergency equipment etc.
"I am very pleased with the professional and efficient manner in which the various actions of the ESFs were carried out in preparation for the forecasted weather from TS Maria.
"We must be thankful as a country that we have been spared once again from the wrath of Mother Nature. Even though it was only a storm and not a hurricane, the forecasted 10 inches of rainfall would have been a major challenge for the country.
"It seems that just about every weekend we have to deal with the passing of a storm system.
"Not surprising as we are in the peak of the hurricane season. The passing of these weather systems demonstrates again and again that we must continue to maintain a state of preparedness and be ready when called upon by the authorities to take action.
"Everybody played their role and did what had to be done, demonstrating the level of our national preparedness. Let's continue to maintain a state of preparedness, because it only takes one to cause destruction and devastation," Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams said on Sunday.
The 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season is in full swing with so far 14-named storms having formed so far for the season.
The U.S. National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) updated forecast for the season calls for 14-19 named storms of which 7-10 could become hurricanes and of those 3-5 could become major hurricanes of Category 3, 4 or 5.
The hurricane season runs through November 30. The remaining names for the season are Ophelia, Philippe, Rina, Sean, Tammy, Vince and Whitney.
