Nevis Disaster Management Head calls for more public awareness

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - HEAD of the Nevis Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Brian Dyer believes that the time has come for a proper legislative framework to keep pace with the growing developments on that island. 

His call comes as the Federation joins the rest of the world in recognising today (Oct. 13) as the International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR), under the theme: "It’s all about Governance/Good Disaster Risk Governance," which emphasises the focus towards effective management of a country’s resources in disaster risk reduction.
 
“The Nevis Disaster Management Department has partnered with our communities to identify and map hazards in the communities in addition to developing response plans. Training of persons to enhance our volunteer pool and develop management structures are ongoing in our communities,” Dyer disclosed.
 
In calling for more public awareness campaigns, the Director noted that it depends largely on a participatory approach that engages a wide range of stakeholders, adding that: “This strategy involves schools, faith-based organisations, government agencies, the business sector, regional and international partners in the promotion of awareness of disaster prevention and managing disaster risks.”
 
“Finally, the need to build our resilience and reduce the vulnerability of our society has now become more crucial than ever. The response to the COVID pandemic and a record setting year for the most named storms in the Tropical Atlantic has the potential to overwhelm our island’s limited resources and exceed our capacity to cope with the new challenges.
 
“It is imperative, therefore, that we are armed with the knowledge of what to do before, during and after each impact. Our vulnerability to disasters can only be minimised through effective risk reduction and maximising the use of our resources. I appeal to everyone to act responsibly, join the effort of building a resilient nation. So, let’s plan, prepare and protect!”