PM Davis: Government has taken all of the necessary steps to ensure organized, resourced and effective response to Melissa

NASSAU, The Bahamas - The government of The Bahamas has taken all of the necessary steps to ensure that its response to any impacts from Hurricane Melissa is organized, resourced, and effective, Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip E. Davis, K.C., said Monday evening, adding that the safety of the Bahamian people remains his Administration's highest priority.

Melissa grew into a monster, Category 5 Hurricane Monday (October 27) with maximum sustained winds of 175 miles per hour with higher gusts.

Forecasters and Meteorologists at The Bahamas Department of Meteorology have advised that though weakened by the time it passes over Jamaica and southeastern Cuba, Melissa will still be at hurricane strength when it moves across the southeast Bahamas. Islands in the central and southeast Bahamas are expected to begin experiencing tropical storm to hurricane conditions beginning Tuesday, (October 28, 2025 in the southeast Bahamas, tropical storm conditions), and Wednesday (October 29, hurricane conditions in the southeast Bahamas) if Melissa stays on her current track.

A Hurricane Warning went into effect for the Central and Southeast Bahamas. This includes Exuma and its Cays, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, Long Island, San Salvador, Cat Island, Acklins, Crooked zIsland, Long Cay, Mayaguana and Inagua.

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected in the mentioned islands within 36 hours.

Prime Minister Davis said as a result, all government systems are now operating under the National Disaster Response Framework; the Disaster Risk Management Authority is coordinating directly with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Family Island Administrators, Public Hospitals Authority, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Social Services, and Bahamas Power and Light.

Pre-positioned supplies have been deployed to the Southeast and Central Bahamas; air and maritime assets are in place for transport and evacuation support, while shelters across the affected islands have been inspected, staffed, and are now operational.

However, preparedness at the community and household level remains critical," Mr. Davis added.

(In short, the National Disaster Response Framework of The Bahamas is a comprehensive, proactive system that coordinates preparedness, response, and recovery efforts through its key components, including the National Disaster Emergency Plan (NDEP) and the National Disaster Coordination Protocols (NDCP). Its purpose is to reduce the socio-economic and environmental impacts of disasters, moving beyond a purely reactive approach to disaster management.)

Prime Minister Davis urged residents of the Southeast Bahamas to follow the Evacuation Orders he issued early Monday (October 27).

"Do not wait until conditions worsen. Once the storm begins to impact your area, movement will be restricted and emergency operations will become more difficult."

Almost 240 residents of Inagua and Acklins heeded the Evacuation Orders and were safely airlifted into New Providence by Monday afternoon. Additional flights have been scheduled for Tuesday. The first group of 138 evacuees from Inagua arrived safely in New Providence at approximately 4:30 p.m. Monday.

In addition, approximately 100 evacuees from Acklins were safely transported into New Providence. That group included elderly and medically vulnerable individuals who were given priority assistance. Both groups were received by officials from the Department of Social Services, along with dedicated volunteers, who managed the intake process at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium, ensuring that "every person arriving from the Family Islands is treated with dignity and compassion."

The evacuees have since been housed across seven activated shelters on New Providence, among them, the Nassau Village Community Centre, New Bethlehem Baptist Church, Remnant Tabernacle Church of God, Epworth Hall, which serves as the country's special needs shelter, Breezes Hotel, the New Providence Community Centre, and the Fox Hill Community Centre.

Addressing a Press Conference hosted at the Disaster Risk Management Authority's Headquarters, Gladstone Road, Prime Minister Davis urged residents across the central Bahamas to continue to monitor official updates and be alert for any changes in conditions.

"This is the time to secure property, protect essential documents, and ensure family safety plans are in place," Mr. Davis said. "I also want to caution the public against the spread of misinformation. Please rely only on official updates issued by the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, the Disaster Risk Management Authority, and the Office of the Prime Minister. Unverified reports create confusion and put lives at risk.

"This is a serious storm, and it is being met with a serious, coordinated response. To all Bahamians and residents, please stay informed, and act responsibly. The DRM Authority is fully engaged in this effort to protect lives and minimize risk."

Prime Minister Davis said Administration officials were "also mindful" of the impact this storm is already having on the country's regional neighbours.

"I extend the prayers and support of the Bahamian people to Jamaica, as well as to the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Haiti, who are enduring the full force of Hurricane Melissa. We are coordinating with CARICOM partners and stand ready to assist if called upon."

The Prime Minister commended local teams "working under difficult circumstances to protect lives and property -- particularly our Family Island Administrators, local government officials, and members of the National Emergency Operations Centre."

"I also wish to recognize the National Youth Guard, whose members are actively assisting with shelter operations, logistics, and public safety coordination. Their professionalism reflects the discipline and readiness we expect of national service," Mr. Davis concluded.