Premier Dunkley: “Bruised But Unbowed”

October 18, 2014

“Bruised but unbowed..,,” said Premier Michael Dunkley today [Oct 18] describing the effects on Bermuda after a direct hit from Hurricane Gonzalo.

“The EMO met at 8am this morning and we are beginning the assessment of the damage sustained across the Island and the work to restore Bermuda has already begun. Roads are being cleared, buildings are being made safe and we are working with BELCO to assist in restoring power to the numerous affected areas of the Island.”

bermuda-flag-sun ray generic

Following the meeting of the EMO the Premier indicated that in this assessment phase it was important that all agencies be left to do their work and asked for the cooperation of all residents. “I cannot stress enough how important it is for everyone to stay off the roads and out of the way of the men and women who are working very hard to clear roads and clean up Bermuda.”

Teams from all agencies have fanned out across the Island and the restoration effort is expected to be assisted by helicopter reconnaissance provided from HMS Argyll which travelled behind the storm and is now within flying distance of Bermuda.

The Premier said: “A number of our overseas friends especially the United States and the UK have quickly offered assistance to us and we are very grateful. The expertise that they offer will be put to best use as soon as we have completed the assessment of the priority of work required.”

The Premier concluded: “The EMO will meet again this afternoon. At that time we will have better information on where things stand and we will be able to inform the public about public transportation, the airport and the Causeway.

“Make no mistake, this was a dangerous hurricane but Bermuda today is dealing with property damage, blocked roads and a loss of electricity; all things that can be replaced and restored. Thankfully, there has been no loss of life and for that we must give thanks.”

For all our coverage of Hurricane Gonzalo click here, and for our live blog where we are bringing you continuous live coverage of Hurricane Gonzalo click here.

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Comments (14)

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  1. Airport Still Closed, Plane & Helicopter In Sky - Bernews.com : Bernews.com | October 18, 2014
  1. Glenda says:

    God is Good!

  2. Very grateful for the update, my only question would be is the help from the U.S and the U.K,being considered and if so does it come with a price tag. I know no officail decision has been stated but the Premier has made mention of it and I would like to know what services have been offered and do we really need these services, at last check B.E.L.C.O had people on stand by from the Carib countries that will come if we need them and contracts have already been discussed, so outside of the electrical side of things,I don’t know what outside help we require.

    For the massive clean up we have our own people, for the damages and repairs to any structures, we have our own people, if government is looking at resting us back to some form of normalcy in record timing, I hope the Premier is saying we will use our own people, outside of any necessary help that would be needed were Bermudians may not be qualified, but I can’t think of any special area that we need outside help other then B.E.L.CO getting extra assistance if they need it, and they have that already in hand.

    There is much damage out there and many Bermudians that need work so let’s get them working ,even if this is just short term.

    • pebblebeach says:

      huh…you must be really important…

    • smithy says:

      Like you said;’Bermudians may not be qualified’
      After you rant
      If you want a job done right, get the right people

    • smithy says:

      Duane what experience and special training do you have beyond school…. please don’t tell me your uncle Dayshuntae taught you to cut wood….. that just doesn’t cut it with me. In times like this we need people that really know what they’re doing, call in the BRITS

  3. Raymond Ray says:

    We all need to be extremely grateful for coming through yet another hurricane basically unharmed; but most importantly with no loss of life!Thanks to all who have / are taking part in restoring the Island, for there’s much work to be done…

  4. David Smith says:

    The Premier has spoken and his exceptional leadership qualities in galvanizing support from the international communities are true statesmanship to return the quality of life for Bermuda’s people. I monitored the EMO radio channel and other forms of communication and without a doubt I have to the EMO Chairman, Michael DeSilva, who is the BPS commissioner of police along with his senior management team did an excellent job beyond imagination in managing Hurricane Gonzalo responds. Bermuda will now unite and expedite the cleaning of the debris, and return the Island to normalcy within the shortest possible of time. I now salute the Premier and the EMO. Finally, all of the emergency agencies worked beyond their call of duty in clearing the road and other obstacles.

  5. somuchless says:

    Dunk don’t forget to check under de hood.

  6. Why says:

    I have to say i am grateful no one was injured including the dummy with indoor BBQ. I am feeling quite bowed knowing that after a week w/o electricity I am to be put back at the bottom of the list. Pulling water up all day for a family of four on top of everything is wearing thin. So mr. Premier, yes i am feeling it along with 1500 others and a few words does not help much

    • smithy says:

      stop your cry, some of us have electricity and are grateful. You’re just upset you have to brush your teeth and clean your booty in the dark . This challenge will be good for you and your family

  7. boarders says:

    I know a certain Premier wasn’t here for Fabian!

  8. Virginia says:

    We’ll at least you don,t have Obama. New Orleans still not back together.