Roadtown, Tortola - Memorandums of Understanding were signed today between the Department of Disaster Management, the Caribbean Broadcast Network (BVI) Limited (CBN) and the Christian Broadcasting Network (ZKING) to describe and delineate areas of cooperation in disaster management between the DDM and local media.
CBN has agreed to provide live emergency broadcasts to the public and to allow for Channel 51 to be used by the Government, in particular the DDM, as an emergency broadcast channel when needed. This arrangement replaces the previously established agreement between the DDM and the now defunct Virgin Islands Television Network (VITV) Channel 5.
The agreement between ZKING and the DDM provides for a similar arrangement as the one in place with ZROD and ZBVI, which would allow for the provision of emergency broadcasts to the public and support in the areas of disaster preparedness and public information and education.
Though the establishment of MOUs, radio and television stations agree to perform monthly transmission tests of the Attention Signal and Test Script. It is the intention of the DDM to partner with other local radio and television stations in the future to allow for the inclusion of all stations in ongoing disaster management efforts.
The agreements were signed by Mr. Alric Corea of ZKING , Mr. Andrew Cox of CBN and Acting Permanent Secretary in Deputy Governor’s Office Ms. Arlene Smith, who said “we need such levels of cooperation and mutual agreements to allow for the fostering of better relations between the Territory’s disaster management programme and the media.”
She further stated that “such partnerships can be effective tools to assist both the Government and the public in sharing of information, supplies, resources, equipment, or personnel for the purpose of protecting residents against the effects of hazard impacts.” She encouraged the DDM to engage in similar agreements with other key stakeholders as it endeavours to provide the highest standards of protection for the Territory.
Representing the Department of Disaster Management were Deputy Director, Mr. Zebalon McLean, and Information and Education Manager, Mr. Linton Leonard. Mr. McLean spoke to the signatories about their role in supporting the Government’s effort to inform the public, especially during emergency periods. He expressed his gratitude to all local media houses for their support over the years and recognized that they are indispensable in the process of disaster management.
In addition to the MOUs with local media stations, the DDM currently operates an automated Emergency Broadcast System in accordance with the Disaster Management Act, 2003. This system provides for simulcast addresses or the issuance of critical life saving or preparedness information to be made to the public in an emergency or during a pending hazard impact. Several local radio and television stations are linked to this system including ZBVI, ZROD, ZCCR and most recently CBN Channel 51 and ZKING.
The mission of the DDM is to seek, within the Territory of the Virgin Islands, to reduce loss of life and property attributable to disasters by ensuring that adequate preparedness and mitigation measures and response and recovery mechanisms are established to counteract the impact of natural and technological hazards.
To learn more about the Department of Disaster Management and its functions, call the main office at 468-4200, visit the office at #3 Wailing Road, McNamara, Road Town or visit the website at www.bviddm.com.
British Virgin Islands News