The Progressive Labour Party praised emergency services for their work in the wake of Tropical Storm Fay, but expressed concern about a lack of advance information.

In a statement yesterday afternoon, Opposition Leader Marc Bean said: “We are thankful that there appears to be no loss of life from the experience with Tropical Storm Fay. We commend the response of the first responders, the Bermuda Police Service, Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, and utilities such as BELCO and BTC.

“We encourage our fellow Bermudians to continue listening to government advisories, and in a sense of community spirit, to look out for neighbours and friends to ensure everyone is safe and sound. We must note that despite forecasts by the weather services, we must always be prepared, as storm tracks and intensities can change with little notice.”

However Shadow Public Safety Minister Walter Roban said it appeared that there were “a number of problems” over the weekend, and the information given out may not have reflected the storm’s strength.

He asked: “The question remains were we properly informed as to the character of the system named Fay? Was government slow to mobilise the necessary resources? Was there a change that the public may have missed or were not informed about? Should the Bermuda Regiment have been embodied in light of the potential strength of the Storm?

“Was there a pre-meeting of the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO)? In light of the impact overnight why did it take until late afternoon for there to be a meeting of the EMO? There is the impression that the government and EMO were caught off guard and this should not have been the experience since it is not the first time we have had to deal with a storm system changing right on top of us.”

“Full disclosure on these issues will assist us all with preparedness in the future.”

Mr Roban also noted the development of Tropical Storm Gonzalo, which is expected to approach the Island later this week as a Hurricane, urging both the Government and the public to monitor the storm’s progress.

He added: “We cannot afford to take these storms lightly.”