ROADTOWN Tortola BVI,  April 26th, 2012   --  Barbados Permit me to adapt the protocol already established. Madam Chairperson Honourable Adriel Brathwaite Other distinguished guests at the head table Colleagues Good Morning It is a distinct pleasure for me to be able to give remarks as Chairperson of this third meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of CDEMA; a task taken seriously.

There is a very basic, but extremely important question that must be asked and answered by each participant at this meeting and it simply asks “Why are we here for this meeting?” Let me give my own reply and you may agree or disagree

1. We are here to continue with the development of strategic goals and objectives in order to give expert advice to Council;

2. We are also here to further develop our skills in order to be more effective in our respective countries; and

3. We are here to continue to forge links with the Coordinating Unit to carry out the work of disaster management in the region.

It is vital that we remain focused in this regard as we are all beneficiaries of the positive end results of CDEMA’s work programme. I can think of two projects in my own country where this cooperation was beneficial: The Mosaic Project and the Tourism Risk Reduction Project.

As all other governments of the region, the Government of the British Virgin Islands takes disaster management seriously and in the Speech from the Throne, determined to enact legislation to establish a legal framework for a comprehensive approach to disaster management.

Furthermore, the Government’s Legislative Agenda supports the Department of Disaster Management’s preparedness plan for protective services where civil society MUST engage in continuous training for the entire community.

The issue of providing expert advice to the Council CDEMA cannot be underestimated for right here in this room is a group of highly talented individuals who develop effective strategies and tools for disaster management that benefit our people in this entire region. When Council receives this information, it is seldom overturned and I want to publicly thank you all for your dedication to these very important tasks.

Apart from understanding our functions, we must also be keenly aware of our responsibilities and of the fact that our countries are depending upon us to ensure that if disasters strike, we know just how to handle matters. Disasters are now happening more frequently and with greater intensity. We must in turn be prepared to work more quickly and decisively to mitigate in order to minimize death and destruction Our attendance here today, as well as attendance at our online meetings says that, as a team:

? We are committed to do the necessary planning on behalf of our countries; and that, upon our return to our respective countries,

? We are prepared to implement the requisite activities that Council will ultimately approve, based on our work in this meeting.

I thank the Coordinating Unit for their continued excellent leadership and support to all of the participating states and pray that they will continue to be successful in all of their endeavours. It is my firm belief therefore, that this will be yet another productive session and I declare that our deliberations will be successful.

I thank you

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