Nadine, a female resident on the Pedro Cays, is among approximately 90 persons who are prepared to face the likely wrath of Tropical Storm Sandy.

"We nah fret right now; we have our pots on fire a cook we food," she chuckled even as she stressed that she was not daunted by the looming dangers of Tropical Storm Sandy.

Nadine symbolises the defiant calm in the face of the impending storm, among many on the Pedro Cays.

Jamaicans on the Cays are no strangers to tempests of violent proportions. Nadine and her neighbours are confident that they can withstand Sandy's might.

But by the residents of Pedro Cays' pronouncements, they are prepared to stand firm to the impending Sandy, even with the likelihood of its vehemence reaching hurricane levels today.

"We are hoping for the best, and there is the coast guard that has a safer place over there and a proper building than our building, but we are praying for the best."

Nadine revealed that with the threat of the fearsome Sandy, some fisherfolk who have made the Cays their homes, have deserted the area, but not she.

"About four people have left so far, one has left with the coast guard and about three have gone into a boat," she said.

fear of hoodlums

A businesswoman who operates a shop on the Cays, Nadine expressed fear that lurking hoodlums would prey on her business if she abandons the area.

"I am the owner of a shop and as soon as you leave, lock up you place and go to the mainland, the little bwoy, bwoy them not doing any work break down you place and take out your things," asserted Nadine.

As a result, she said shop owners on the Cays are usually the last to leave.

She also said all fishing vessels have been pulled from the seas and are now in safe harbour.

Yesterday, Hugh Buchanan, South West St Elizabeth member of parliament, pleaded with fishermen and women on the Pedro Cays to make proper preparation to evacuate immediately.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management also said small craft operators, including fishers from the Cays and Banks, should have already completed all the necessary safety precautions and are advised to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have improved.