The Sister Islands Programme Unit is seeking Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers from Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost van Dyke. Photo: sfchronicle.com

The CERT volunteers will respond to their community’s immediate needs in the aftermath of a disaster or when emergency services are not readily available. They will also help to save lives and protect property. Photo: GIS

Sister Islands Programme Coordinator, Mrs Monel Nickie said residents of the Sister Islands interested in volunteering for CERT should contact their local District Office.

The CERT volunteers will respond to their community’s immediate needs in the aftermath of a disaster or when emergency services are not readily available. They will also help to save lives and protect property.

Volunteers needed

Mrs Nickie, according to a press release from Government Information Service (GIS) on April 3, 2024, said, “To ensure that sister island communities are adequately prepared to respond to disaster situations, there must be a holistic approach that engages key emergency stakeholders, Government entities, as well as the general public. The re-establishment of CERT allows residents to become directly involved in saving lives and assisting those in need.”

“Persons are encouraged to become volunteers to strengthen disaster preparedness and response,” Mrs Nickie added.

Interested persons can register through their local district office by calling the telephone numbers for the following offices: Anegada District Office: (284) 368-9712; Virgin Gorda District Office: (284) 468-9542; and Jost van Dyke District Office: (284) 468- 9013.

The Sister Islands Programme Unit serves as the liaison for the Department of Disaster Management on the Sister Islands.