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Find Your Zen in St. Kitts During World Wellness Weekend 2024

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Basseterre, St. Kitts (04 September 2024) – St. Kitts beckons travelers and locals alike to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit during World Wellness Weekend 2024, from 20-22 September 2024. This global celebration of well-being aligns perfectly with St. Kitts’ commitment to promoting health and wellness, offering an array of experiences designed to help you find your zen on this uncrowded, vibrant Caribbean island.

Wellness in St. Kitts: A Growing Priority

St. Kitts offers a serene escape with its gently rolling mountains and lush green landscapes, creating the perfect backdrop for wellness and rejuvenation. Discover the holistic offerings at Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort, where yoga sessions in nature and eco-luxury accommodations blend seamlessly with the environment. Unwind with restorative experiences and the peaceful surroundings of Romney Manor, a historic site perfect for meditation and reflection. For a more adventurous approach to wellness, embark on off-the-beaten-path land rover adventure tours, glide through the treetops with Sky Safari Zipline, or immerse yourself in nature with a visit to Liamuiga Natural Farm, an oasis in the rainforest. For those seeking a luxurious retreat, the Park Hyatt and Marriott resorts provide top-class spa treatments that pamper both body and mind. St. Kitts caters to every aspect of well-being—physical, mental, and spiritual—making it a sanctuary for those looking to escape the stresses of everyday life and immerse themselves in true relaxation and renewal.

“St. Kitts is committed to providing visitors with enriching experiences that promote overall well-being,” said Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “World Wellness Weekend 2024 presents a chance for us to highlight our destination’s dedication to health and wellness, and we are excited to provide a range of activities that enable participants to engage with nature, relax, and find inner balance in St. Kitts.”

World Wellness Weekend 2024: Unwind and Recharge

Throughout the weekend, guests can indulge in various wellness activities, each designed to enhance well-being and promote a healthy lifestyle. 

Lake Health And WellBeing Yoga in the Park – Instructor YogaBae Jay leads yoga sessions every Saturday at 7 AM at National Heroes Park. Designed for beginners, these classes aim to enhance flexibility, strength, and mental clarity while reducing stress. The cost is US $13 per session. Participants are encouraged to bring a mat or towel and water. To book your spot, call +18697658702 or email events@lakehealthandwellbeing.com.

Koi Resort, St. Kitts – At Koi Resort, you can enjoy a Poolside Wellness Experience with Sophia every Wednesday from 11 AM to 12 PM. When you book an hour-long Koi Signature Massage, you will receive a complimentary 15-minute massage. This offer is available to hotel guests only. Additionally, indulge in the Kaya Signature Facial, a luxurious treatment that includes complimentary facial hair removal for just US $125. For more information or to make a reservation, contact +18694654499, email RSVP@KOIRESORT.COM, or visit www.koiresort.com.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts – Park Hyatt St. Kitts offers a diverse range of weekly wellness activities designed to suit all fitness levels. Enjoy a rejuvenating sound healing session for $45, find inner peace with meditation at $35, rise and shine with invigorating yoga for $35, or challenge yourself with CrossFit, also priced at $35. The resort features a 24-hour fitness center and pickleball courts for high-intensity workouts. To explore these wellness options, visit https://bit.ly/3ZblK1j.

Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort – At Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort, enjoy a 20% discount on all summer spa treatments, including deep tissue massages, hot stone massages, and luxurious coconut bath experiences. For more details or to book a treatment, contact +18694657388 or email reservations@kittitianhill.com.

St. Kitts Marriott Resort – The Emerald Mist Spa at St. Kitts Marriott Resort is offering special wellness packages through 22 September 2024. These packages include complimentary access to spa facilities, whirlpools, saunas, and more. One popular option is the ‘Top to Toe’ package, priced at USD $192 (regularly $225), which includes a 25-minute facial and a 50-minute body massage. To book, contact +18696629607 or visit https://royalbeachcasino.com/emerald-mist-spa/.

World Wellness Weekend 2024 in St. Kitts offers a holistic journey with energizing outdoor activities, wholesome dining, and stunning natural beauty to renew your mind, body, and spirit. Learn more at www.visitstkitts.com.

CWI thanks High Performance Manager Graeme West for his contribution to West Indies cricket

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ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) today thanked Graeme West for his 12 years of service to the organisation and to West Indies Teams. 

West joined CWI on 1 June 2012 as the Head Coach of the High Performance Centre at Cave Hill, Barbados and departs in his current role of High Performance Manager on 30 September 2024.

Graeme West – CWI High Performance Manager

CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe said, “I sincerely thank Graeme for his 12 years of service to West Indies cricket. He has contributed significantly to the development of our High Performance system and has overseen many initiatives that we will continue to grow after he departs. We are grateful for his years of commitment and wish him the best as he turns the page to a new chapter in his career”.

On his departure, Graeme West said, “I would like to thank CWI for the opportunities provided to me and my family over the last twelve years. I leave the organisation as a more experienced coach, a more rounded leader and a World Cup winner. Equally important to me are the relationships I have developed with players, coaches and the staff that have supported me throughout my time at CWI and I am sure will continue to do so in the future. My time spent in the Caribbean will forever hold a special place in my heart. My wife and I have raised our children on the beaches of Barbados and Antigua and we have thoroughly enjoyed and embraced the many cultures and diversity across the region.”

During West’s 12 years of service for CWI, he spent five years based at the High Performance Centre, Cave Hill, Barbados and seven years based at the CWI Headquarters, Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG), Antigua. As the West Indies Under 19 Men’s Head Coach (2016-2020) his key achievement was leading the team to World Cup success in 2016 and as West Indies ‘A’ Team Head Coach (2016-2018) he won series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. ​ As the High Performance Manager, Graeme was instrumental in establishing the new Men’s and Women’s Academy programs at CCG and the new 12-month U19 Pathway Programmes.

Autopsy: Uncle, Nephew Die From Head Gunshots 

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By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 15th August 2024)-  Autopsies have confirmed that the recent deaths of 30-year-old Devon Parris and his 9-year-old nephew, J’Marni Smithen, were due to severe cranioencephalic trauma caused by gunshot wounds to the head. 

The police public relations department has informed that post-mortem examinations were conducted on August 12, 2024, at the JNF Hospital Mortuary by resident pathologists Dr. Adrian Nunez and Dr. Naudica Philip.

The tragic discovery of the bodies was made on Friday, August 2, near Newton Ground Bay, St. Kitts. 

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force responded after a concerned citizen reported seeing a suspicious vehicle in the area. Upon arrival, officers found the bodies of Parris, of Stoney Grove, Nevis, and Smithen, of Craddock Road, Nevis, inside a red Honda Fit, registration number R 66. Both were found lying face down with apparent gunshot wounds to their heads.

Preliminary investigations reveal that Parris and Smithen had left a relative’s home on the afternoon of Thursday, August 1, intending to attend a birthday party at Caribbean Cinemas. 

When they failed to arrive at their destination and repeated calls to Parris’s phone went unanswered, concerns grew among family members. The next morning, their lifeless bodies were discovered inside the vehicle, which had been partially concealed in some bushes facing south near the sea in Newton Ground.

District Medical Officer Dr. Medrano arrived at the scene and pronounced the two deceased at approximately 11:10 AM. Crime Scene Personnel were also on hand to process the area and collect items of evidential value. 

The police have again extended its condolences to the families affected by this tragic incident with assurance given to The public that the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Violent Crime Unit at 662-3468 or 

the crime hotline at 707.

Astaphan Urges Global Action to Lessen Intensity Of Hurricanes By Earth Caring

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By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 15th August 2024)-As the 2024 hurricane season progresses, former government minister and well-known social commentator Dwyer Astaphan is calling for greater global environmental responsibility to lessen the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes. 

In his latest commentary of Wednesday 14th August 2024, Astaphan stressed the importance of environmental stewardship as a form of prevention, urging people to recognize the role that human activities play in worsening natural disasters.

 “We’re still over 100 days left in the season. We’re just in the middle of August…haven’t even reached the peak, which is September. These storms are called acts of God, and they are, but there is no question that human beings have been and are contributing to global warming through three of our greatest curses,” Astaphan stated. 

He identified these curses as greed, ignorance, and selfishness, highlighting how they drive environmental degradation.

Astaphan warned that global warming is leading to more severe weather patterns, including more powerful hurricanes. “Global warming means that the polar ice caps will melt. Weather and climates will change. The elements of nature in which we live and other species live, thousands upon thousands of which have already been made extinct because of human interference, will be thrown into imbalance,” he explained. 

He emphasized that warmer oceans act as “steroids for hurricanes,” leading to an increase in the number and severity of these natural disasters. He lamented the fact that, despite being the most intelligent creatures on the planet, humans are also the most destructive. “We are too greedy, too selfish, too ignorant, and too foolish,” he remarked.

Astaphan also pointed to the historical impact of the Industrial Revolution, noting that while it brought economic progress, it also set the stage for large-scale environmental damage. 

“The bulk of the blame for global warming, at least from the human perspective, must go to countries and societies whose powerful players, aided and abetted by controlled and corrupt leaders, began in a major way to pollute the land, sea, and air of the planet when the Industrial Revolution started about 250 years ago,” he noted.

He urged residents of St. Kitts and Nevis, and people worldwide, to engage in better environmental practices, not just for themselves, but for future generations. 

 “Are we prepared for the rest of 2024 and beyond? While it is good to be prepared for the hurricane, you have your medication, your water and so forth. It is even better to engage in prevention in the form of good environmental practices. We have to do our share of the work, small as we are on the planet, because everybody has to do his or her part, whether you’re small or large. All of us have a responsibility to leave a better place for our children than the one we found from our fathers and mothers,” Astaphan expressed, stressing the importance of collective action to preserve the planet.

Gratitude Over Criticism: A Lesson from Tropical Storm Ernesto

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In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ernesto- now officially a hurricane on its continued path, the level of criticism directed at the St. Kitts Electricity Company (SKELEC) has been a notable hot topic. It is understandable that we all depend on our utilities, especially during and after a storm, but the wave of complaints that emerged, even when SKELEC pointed to prioritizing the safety of its team, is a cause for reflection.

While some expressed dissatisfaction over power outages, it is important to recognize that these situations require a balance between service delivery and the safety of those working to restore it. The storm, although not as severe as a hurricane, still posed challenges. Some critics have suggested that SKELEC was ill-prepared, yet the reality is that even a tropical storm can disrupt power, especially when the safety of workers is rightly prioritized.

We must ask ourselves: Is it not better to be patient and grateful for the efforts made under difficult circumstances? When we compare our situation to the devastation seen in neighbouring islands during this hurricane season, it becomes clear how fortunate we are. Most recently in the case of Ernesto, we were spared the major wrath of the storm, and instead of focusing on what has not gone perfectly, perhaps we should acknowledge what did.

There are those who might argue, “I’m paying for a service, so let me complain in peace.” While it is true that we have the right to voice our concerns, we should also consider the broader context. Patience and understanding go a long way, especially in times of crisis. Let us be thankful that we only faced a tropical storm, and not a full-blown hurricane, and that we have another opportunity to prepare better for future storms-whether that means fixing our roofs or just generally securing our properties.

In moments like these, gratitude can be a powerful tool. It reminds us to appreciate the efforts of those working to keep us safe and to recognize the blessings we enjoy, even amidst challenges. 

Let us remember to be more grateful, more patient, and more understanding when we weather the storm.

OECS Commission Applauds Olympic Athletes

OECS MEDIA RELEASE

The OECS Commission extends heartfelt congratulations to all participants and medallists from OECS Member States for their remarkable participation in the recently concluded Olympic Games. Your dedication and commitment have brought immense pride to our region, showcasing the extraordinary talent and resilience of OECS athletes on the global stage.

The Commission also acknowledges the invaluable support of Member States, National Olympic Committees, coaches, teachers, mentors, families, and support staff who have played a crucial role in preparing the region’s athletes for this prestigious event. Your unwavering dedication has been instrumental in their success. We also express our gratitude to the host nation and the International Olympic Committee for organizing a successful and safe event, providing athletes with the opportunity to shine.

The OECS Commission remains committed to promoting sports as an enabler of sustainable development and fostering support for athletes as they pursue their dreams. In March 2024 the Commission hosted the Inaugural OECS Council of Ministers: Youth and Sports and supported the 2024 OECS Invitational Boxing Championships in July 2024. In March 2024, the OECS Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre of Sports Resources, Expertise and Performance (CREPS), located in Guadeloupe. The MoU allows OECS athletes to access CREPS’s world-class facilities. The Commission looks forward to witnessing more remarkable achievements by the region’s athletes in future international competitions.

The Commission recognises medallists from Independent OECS Member States: Thea LaFond, Commonwealth of Dominica, on her Gold Medal in the Women’s Triple Jump; Anderson Peters, Grenada, on his Bronze Medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw; Lindon Victor, Grenada, on his Bronze Medal, in the Men’s Decathlon; and Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia, on her Gold Medal in the Women’s 100m, and her Silver Medal, in the Women’s 200m. The OECS also applauds Shafiqua Maloney, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, placing 4th at the Women’s 800m who narrowly missed out on a medal at the Olympic Games by just 0.2 seconds, but has inspired her nation and the region.

The Commission highlights medallists originating from the Associate Member State of Martinique representing France: Amandine Buchard, Bronze Medal in Judo (Women -52 kg) and Gold Medal in Judo (Mixed Team); Joan-Benjamin Gaba, Silver Medal in Judo (Men -73 kg) and Gold Medal in Judo (Mixed Team); Andy Timo, Gold Medal in Rugby Sevens (Men); Alexandra Louis-Marie, Silver Medal in Fencing (Women’s Épée Team); Isaia Cordinier, Silver Medal in Basketball (Men); Andrew Albicy, Silver Medal in Basketball (Men); Mathias Lessort, Silver Medal in Basketball (Men); Althea Laurin, Gold Medal in Taekwondo (Women +67kg); Coralie Lassource, Silver Medal in Handball (Women); Iliana Rupert, Silver Medal in Basketball (Women); and Thierry Henry the  Football Coach of the Silver Medal winning team.

The Commission commends medallists originating from the Associate Member State of Guadeloupe representing France: Jefferson-Lee Joseph, Gold Medal in Rugby Sevens (Men); Yannick Borel, Silver Medal in Fencing (Men’s Épée Team); Sarah Leonie Cysique, Bronze Medal in Judo (Women -57kg) and Gold Medal in Judo (Mixed Team); Coraline Vitalis, Silver Medal in Fencing (Women’s Épée Team); Teddy Riner, Gold Medal in Judo (Men +100 kg) and Gold Medal in Judo (Mixed Team); Enzo Lefort, Bronze Medal in Fencing (Men’s Foil Team); Cyrian Ravet, Bronze Medal in Taekwondo (Men -58kg); Matthew Strazel, Silver Medal in Basketball (Men); Alexandre Lacazette, Silver Medal in Football (Men); Kiliann Sildillia, Silver Medal in Football (Men); Meline Nocandy, Silver Medal in Handball (Women); and Orlane Kanor, Silver Medal in Handball (Women).

The Commission also shines a spotlight on Marie- Florence Candassamy, for her Silver Medal in Fencing (Women’s Épée Team). Through her mother and father she is a medallist with origins from the Associate Member States of Martinique and Guadeloupe, representing France.

Congratulations once again to all our athletes for their exceptional achievements. Your efforts and accomplishments serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all.

Preliminary reports indicate minimal disruption of utilities, no major damage on Nevis due to TS Ernesto

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NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (August 14, 2024)- The Honourable Premier Mark Brantley has expressed gratitude that the island of Nevis was spared any major damage or disruption to utility services during the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto on Tuesday, August 13.

“Now that Tropical Storm Ernesto has passed we are assessing the damage and thus far reports are that we’ve had some minimal damage such as fallen trees, persons suffering minor property damage; certainly no deaths and no bodily injuries, so I believe we should be truly grateful to God for sparing us the worst yet again.”

The Premier thanked the “hard-working public servants” who ensured that the island was in a state of readiness and who braved storm conditions to make certain that services were restored where there were outages.  

“I take a moment to congratulate our public services- the Water Department especially- they stayed on throughout the storm. NEVLEC had some interruptions but those were solved quickly. Power for most of the island stayed on and for the parts that were affected NEVLEC was able to report as early as last evening that 99 percent of the island was restored to power,” he said, also extending commendation to the Solid Waste Management workers who were out ensuring garbage was collected on time during the bad weather.

He also thanked the private sector for giving their employees the opportunity to attend to their own family and personal storm preparations.

Premier Brantley credited the island’s resilient infrastructure and competency of the various agencies and departments for Nevis weathering the storm as well as it did.

“I think our response shows our resilience and certainly the resilience of the infrastructure thus far and so we hope to continue to build better as we move forward, knowing that we are in a region that is high risk for storms of this nature. I think preparedness is critical if we are to weather the worst of these occurrences.”

Following the All Clear alert from disaster officials crews from the Nevis Electricity Company (NEVLEC), Public Works and Communication, Water Department, and Fire and Rescue have been patrolling Nevis to ensure the road network is clear and that any issues with respect to faults in utility services are swiftly rectified.

SKELEC Continues Restoration Efforts Across Multiple Areas

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Basseterre, St. Kitts (August 15th, 2024)— The St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd. is currently working to restore power in several areas across the island, including Sandy Point Feeder, Cayon Feeder, Basseterre North Feeder, Basseterre South Feeder, Industrial Site Feeder, and Frigate Bay Feeder.

We understand the significant inconvenience these storm-related outages have caused and sincerely apologize. Our dedicated teams are on the ground, working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

We deeply appreciate your unwavering patience and understanding as we continue our restoration efforts. We are committed to ensuring that all affected areas receive power.

Your safety remains our top priority, and we thank you for standing with us as we work to bring everyone back online.

For more SKELEC updates please visit our Facebook page: SKELEC- St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd or log on to www.skelec.kn

Samuel Dismisses Social Media Victimization Reports

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday, 14th August 2024)-National Disaster Coordinator Abdias Samuel has dismissed circulating social media reports alleging that he has been victimized by the government and sent on vacation. 

Samuel addressed the “unwelcomed attention” and “distraction” on Tuesday, 13th August 2024, during an appearance on Freedom FM when quizzed about the topic by host interviewer Juni ‘Big JL’ Liburd, pushing away such spotlight made about him.

He was joined in the studio by Senior Meteorological Officer of the St. Kitts Met Office, Elmo Burke with discussion taking place just hours ahead of the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto.

“Let me make it abundantly clear… I was not forced to resign…I was not victimized in any way shape or form so I don’t want to elaborate too much on this because it’s just distraction.” 

Samuel shared that no pressure or victimization is involved. 

“I do apologize to the general public for this distraction. I do apologize to my regional and international partners because I’ve been receiving significant calls [and] significant messages from a lot of regional and international partners thinking that I am being victimized. I said no. I was the one who tendered my resignation due to the fact that there is a particular policy in government that when you do 24 and 11 years, there is a maximum benefit that you can achieve.”

According to him: “…as of Monday, I am on vacation and I offered my services. I said, listen, I’m in country and if you need my expertise, I’m willing and available to provide support. This is my patriotic speaking. I’m not going to be in St. Kitts and not provide support to the agency, to the government, to the people in particular.”

He added: “I chose to take that particular route. I chose it. Regrettably, it came at a time where, well, I had no choice because the timing coincided with the hurricane season. So, Juni, that’s the whole situation. My offer of volunteerism was accepted. I am still the National Disaster Coordinator until the 26th of September. So the reality is I still have a responsibility to the country.

Asked what happens after the 26th, he replied: “After the 26th, I will not be the National Disaster Coordinator by my choice…Let me make it abundantly clear… I was not forced to resign…I was not victimized in any way shape or form so I don’t want to elaborate too much on this because it’s just distraction.” 

In addressing the ongoing situation, Samuel urged the public to focus on the well-being of the nation rather than the distractions surrounding his position. 

“Let’s focus the attention. Abdias Samuel is the least of our human beings. Sorry to say so. No disrespect to anyone. The attention is the general public, the people. Let’s make sure that the people are cared for, and we have the mechanisms to be able to support the people in terms of this because one life lost is going to be one life too many for me; that’s my motto,” he expressed.

As the nation braced for Tropical Storm Ernesto, Samuel assured the public that he, along with his team, would continue to work diligently to keep everyone informed and safe.

“We’re going to continue to work. You’re going to be hearing me and Elmo on the radio waves. You’re going to be hearing us sending our voice overs… We’re going to be distributing info graphics until the system is out of the way. Once it’s safe, we’re going to be the first to say yes, it is safe for you to come out,” he concluded.

Ernesto Strengthens Into Hurricane Hours After SKN Passage

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By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday, 15th August 2024) -Hours after leaving minimal damage in St. Kitts and Nevis following its passage on Tuesday 13th August 2024, Tropical Storm Ernesto intensified and was officially upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane the next day.

Of note, the storm warning was discontinued as of 8:00 PM on Tuesday as the all clear was announced by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).  

As of 5:00pm that day, the center of the storm was tracked at 104 miles northwest of the federation and was moving in a west north westerly position at about 18 miles per hour and had maximum sustained winds of 60 miles per hour. At that point the center continued to move away while it continued to strengthen with moderate to heavy showers.

The public was informed that conditions were expected to subside within hours as the storm continued to move away.

Reports from National Disaster Coordinator Abdias Samuel indicated that the storm caused minimal damage across the Federation. 

The impact included downed trees, power lines, and significant damage to coastal areas due to high surf following the storm’s passage. There were also reports of some homes being damaged by fallen trees. As gathered, four individuals needing temporary housing were taken to hurricane shelter in St. Kitts.

During its closest approach, Tropical Storm Ernesto passed approximately 28 miles south of St. Kitts and Nevis, bringing tropical storm-force winds between 40 to 50 miles per hour. 

The storm’s impact led to power outages and disruptions in water supply services, sparking a wave of public criticism on social media directed at the St. Kitts Electricity Company (SKELEC). 

In response, Samuel on Thursday 15th August applauded the hardworking SKELEC crew whilst urging the public to exercise patience and understanding as work continues in fully restoring services.

As Ernesto moved away from the twin-island nation, it continued to strengthen, moving in a northwestward direction impacting islands including the US Virgin Islands. 

By Wednesday, 14th August, the storm had developed into a hurricane, with maximum sustained winds reaching 75 miles per hour while tracked moving in a northern direction of Puerto Rico.

According to the weather forecast, hurricane force winds are expected to impact the island of Bermuda between 4-7pm on Saturday 17th August.

According to a report from a Bermuda news source Bernews.com, a hurricane warning was issued as of 6 p.m. on Thursday, 15th August as it continues on its path.

The forecast details for the island Bermuda are as follows:

• Tropical storm force winds (34+ knots) between 5-7pm Friday. 

• Storm force winds (50+ knots) between 12-2am Saturday. 

• Hurricane force winds (65+ knots) between 5-8am Saturday. 

• The cessation of these impactful winds are as follows: Hurricane force winds (65+ knots) between 4-7pm Saturday. Storm force winds (50+ knots) between 8-11pm Saturday. Tropical storm force winds (34+ knots) between 5-7am Sunday

Additionally, the Bermuda Airport announced it would close at 8 p.m. on Friday, advising passengers to check with airlines for flight status updates.