VI readiness plan for Hurricane 2019 in place
This is according to a release from the Government Information service which says the plan was approved when the National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) convened its annual meeting in late March 2019, at the Department of Disaster Management (DDM).
Getting Ready
The meeting was co-chaired by His Excellency the Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert and Deputy Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). In his remarks, Gov Jaspert said it was a “getting ready meeting”, one that was called to review preparations to date and priority areas to focus on what we need to do to get ready for the Hurricane Season and for any unforeseen events that might occur throughout the year.
According to the Governor, “We are here to focus on where our vulnerabilities lie and what we need to do to improve our state of readiness. Although a large number of activities were undertaken in 2018 to get us ready, we still went into the season with some level of vulnerability. We now need to ensure that we have addressed the key gaps that have been identified in this year’s plan.”
Governor Jaspert further explained that he was particularly concerned that life and property would be safeguarded if the Territory was to experience impacts similar to 2017.
Deputy Premier Dr Wheatley expressed his appreciation for the hard work done by many to get the Territory ready. He indicated that his Government is completely committed to the work of the NDMC.
Serious Responsibility
According to Hon Wheatley, “As a new minister and with responsibility for the people of the Virgin Islands we understand that disasters have lots of consequences loss of lives, loss of homes and businesses and destruction to our environment.”
Reflecting on the storms of 2017, he said, “We remember the impacts of 2017 and we are more aware of our vulnerabilities. We, therefore, take our responsibilities very seriously and will play our part in reducing our risks.”
The Minister implored that reducing risks from an early stage is paramount, “Ultimately this is what saves lives. Our focus going forward is to help those who have been affected and still have not been able to recover and to ensure that we are ready for the impacts of future hazards.”
The NDMC was established by the Disaster Management Act, 2003. Its role is to review the national strategy for—and the state of—disaster management in the Territory and make recommendations to Cabinet. In attendance at the meeting were also Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone and Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Hon Kye M. Rymer along with the various public service agencies
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