Emergency agencies begin hurricane season planning

With less than two weeks before the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, the government has begun a fresh round of emergency preparedness meetings involving national security, health, utility, transport, tourism, agriculture and private sector agencies.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley revealed Wednesday that officials were continuing to strengthen national systems, review readiness measures and update meteorological capacity ahead of the June 1 start of the season.

“This level of preparation is deliberate. It is disciplined. It is how we must approach the protection of our people, our communities and our country,” Mottley said in a statement posted to social media.

The update comes amid growing regional and international concern over increasingly active and unpredictable hurricane seasons linked to climate change.

The high-level meeting included senior Cabinet ministers, emergency response agencies, meteorological officials, security personnel and utility stakeholders. 

Brigadier Carlos Lovell, BDF chief of staff addresses the meeting. (PMO)

Director of the Barbados Meteorological Services, Sabu Best was also among attendees of the high-level hurricane preparation meeting(PMO)

Mottley said Barbados could no longer afford to approach preparedness casually.

“The climate is changing. The seasons are not what they used to be,” she said.

She also urged Barbadians not to leave preparedness solely to the government, calling on households, businesses and communities to begin their own preparations early.

“My message to Barbados is that government will do its part, and I ask every household, every business and every community to do the same,” the prime minister said.

Mottley encouraged residents to check emergency supplies, secure important documents, clear their surroundings and identify the nearest emergency shelter. 

She also urged people to look out for elderly relatives, persons with disabilities and others who may require assistance during an emergency.

“Pay attention only to official updates,” she added.

Mottley said preparedness efforts were ultimately about protecting lives and reducing vulnerability before storms threaten the island.

“We pray that Barbados is spared, and while we pray, we prepare,” she said.

“Preparedness saves lives. Let us all do our part.”

(SM)