NMIA to close after last flight on Saturday

 

The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston will be closed after the last flight arrives in the island on Saturday evening.

 

"So, let me say that we would categorise it as 8 p.m. or the last arriving flight. So if the flight is delayed for any reason, it will be accommodated. But all flights will be accommodated today at both Norman Manley International Airport and Sangster international. So my recommendation for those of you who want to get back to Jamaica, or want to get out of Jamaica, try and change your arrangements to get out today, meaning Saturday," said Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Minister Daryl Vaz at a special press briefing on Saturday. 

 

The minister said a meeting is to be held at 2 p.m. Saturday to determine the closing time for Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James. 

 

Minister Vaz said a directive would be given to open highway tollbooths closer to the time of the hurricane. 

 

"As of right now, the [traffic] buildup is not bad, we are monitoring it, and I have already signed an order; it just needs to be dated that it can be effected immediately. So once we see it, and I suspect probably closer to Monday, with the big impact coming between Monday night and Tuesday, that would be when the necessity arrived. But more importantly, I'm giving the directive that once the storm or the hurricane passes, that we open the toll for emergency services and of course other persons who want to go check on their family, their businesses, etc."  

 

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is also on standby to assist with evacuations. 

 

Where power cuts are concerned, Mr. Vaz said there are no widespread outages at this time. However, at 9 a.m. Saturday there were 275 Jamaica Public Service Company customers without electricity, due to issues such as trees on lines caused by the high soil saturation levels. 

 

There are currently 71 overseas linesmen in the island to ensure there is speedy restoration of power. 

 

As he closed, the minister cautioned Jamaicans not to take the weather system for granted. 

 

"It is coincidental that we had 37 years between [Hurricane] Charlie and Gilbert and 37 years exactly between Gilbert and Melissa. Those of us who were around for Gilbert know exactly what, but there are many who did not experience it. So I'm saying to you, safety is priority and being smart helps a lot. Don't make foolish decisions. Don't make stupid decisions, like coming out in the middle of the storm to see what is happening," he urged.

 

"Please, I'm making a special appeal because we are in a very, very serious time over these next few days, and we need all Jamaicans to bond together, band together and most importantly, prayers up, up for every single Jamaican and Jamaica, land we love. God bless Jamaica."