The Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Perry Christie, has made the following statement ahead of the approaching Hurricane Sandy:

“The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) fully activated its National Emergency Operations Centre as of 12 noon October 24, 2012.

“I am advised by Captain Stephen Russell, director of NEMA that based on advice from the Department of Meteorology, that a Hurricane Watch is now in effect for the northwest Bahamas–including Grand Bahama, Bimini, Abaco, The Berry Islands and New Providence, and the central Bahamas including Exuma, Cat Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador and Long Island.

“A tropical storm watch remains in effect for the southeast Bahamas Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, ragged Island, Mayaguana and Inagua.

“Based on the projected path of the storm, I am advising you, residents, to heed the warnings issued by the Met Department and rely on their expertise for your safety and well-being.

“I am further advised that all schools–public and private–are to remain closed as of Thursday and Friday.

“Government offices, except for emergency personnel will remain closed Thursday and Friday.

“Airports, seaports and the bridges will also have to remain closed as of 7am Thursday and Friday due to the strength of the wind, which is expected to be in excess of 40mph.

“Businesses, including banks are also being advised to remain closed Thursday and Friday, based on the timeline given by the Met Department that New Providence would be impacted as of 1pm Thursday.

“My government stands ready to assist residents, who may be impacted, in the projected areas. I impress upon you to secure yourselves and your property.”