B.V.I. Monday, June 15 – Government has taken a significant step to strengthen its capacity to effectively coordinate the distribution of certain relief supplies after a major disaster.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with several leading local supermarkets, referred to as Cooperating Partners. The Chief Executive Officer of One Mart Superstore and the Manager of Buck’s Food Market (of Virgin Gorda) signed the MOU during last Friday’s ceremony, while the General Manager of Bobby’s Marketplace will soon sign the agreement.

The MOU, among other things, will promote a spirit of cooperation and understanding between Government and the Cooperating Partners in the execution of the Territory’s disaster management programme. It also aims to strengthen the sharing of expertise and skills between Government and the Cooperating Partners in the delivery of mutually agreed services.

The Premier highlighted the need for the Territory to always be prepared to respond during and after a disaster. “I am glad that the business places represented here were able to join with the Government in helping us to prepare in our ability to provide food supplies, should the occasion arise,” the Premier noted.

He also acknowledged the Cooperating Partners for seeing it fit to enhance their stock of specific food items that would enable Government to respond to an emergency if it becomes necessary.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Mrs. Petrona N. Davies thanked the Cooperating Partners on behalf of the Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn OBE, QC.

“We are deeply indebted to the proprietors of Bobby’s Marketplace, One Mart Superstore, and Buck’s Food Market for agreeing to participate in this very important initiative. Your readiness to sign this MOU is further evidence of your commitment to the Territory”, Mrs. Davies said.

Speaking on behalf of the Cooperating Partners, Chief Executive Officer of One Mart Superstore Mr. Deon Vanterpool said the different companies are proud to be a part of the Government’s initiative. “We support the action plan and would like to ensure that the people of the Virgin Islands are well prepared in times of disaster,” he said.

Mr. Michael Vanterpool represented Buck’s Food Market during last Friday’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Government. The signing was coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Social Development through the Welfare, Logistics, and Relief Distribution Sub-Committee, which is one of the many sub-committees under the National Disaster Management Council.

It followed a recent decision by Cabinet that authorised Government, through the Premier’s Office, to enter into an agreement with several local supermarkets to provide first preference on stocks of food to be distributed during and after major emergencies and disasters.

The MOU’s purpose is to establish an understanding between Government, acting through the Department of Disaster Management, and the Cooperating Partners in connection with the holding and supply of certain stocks of food items that include a wide range on non-perishable goods.