CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (April 27, 2005) -- The most comprehensive disaster management programme ever created for Nevis is in the process of being finalised after an intensive two-day workshop and seminar conducted by the Nevis Island Administration at the Red Cross Building.
Dozens of government officials and community representatives participated in the workshop directed by Lester Blackett, director of the Nevis Disaster Management Committee. Mr. Blackett said the purpose of the workshop was to "review and update the 1989 Nevis Disaster Plan" created after the damage wreaked in this area by Hurricane Hugo.
According to Mr. Blackett, the key word is "inclusion," meaning everyone -- not just government officials or management -- must be included if a disaster management effort is to work to benefit all the people. Topics covered were wide-ranging, from early warning systems when applicable, to emergency supplies, shelters, search and rescue, food distribution and training of disaster management workers and volunteers.
"The importance of this workshop cannot be oversized, given the vulnerability of our area to natural as well as man-made hazards," said Mr. Blackett.
Among potential disasters covered by the workshop are hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, floods, droughts, tidal waves, storm surges, major fires, power failures, civil strife and epidemics. The hurricane season begins officially June 1 and runs through November 30, but in the past hurricanes have occurred outside this time period.
Speakers at the opening session Tuesday were the Hon. Vance Amory, Premier and Chairman of the Nevis Disaster Management Committee; Carl Hebert, National Disaster Coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA); Floyd Robinson, engineer-manager of the Nevis Water Department; Venetta Hobson-Moving, permanent secretary of the Premier's Ministry; Astona Browne, permanent secretary for National Security, Justice, Immigration and Labour, St. Kitts; and Mr. Blackett.
Mr. Amory strongly recommended that all sectors and ministries in Nevis involve themselves in the programme, pointing out that it is not a question of whether a natural or manmade disaster will strike -- only when.
He said an ongoing public awareness programme would equip people as well as government officials with the knowledge and desire to do the right thing when a national disaster does occur. Pledging his full support to all those involved, Mr. Amory said, "You can have the best plan, but it is the implementation that counts." He urged those present to rely on their own experience and to use common sense to solve problems before they become unmanageable.
After completing his remarks, Mr. Amory presented Llewellyn Newton, past director of disaster preparedness and management, with a special award for his years of service in the program.
Workshop participants went through Disaster Plan 1989 paragraph by paragraph, making changes and additions where necessary. Some agencies that no longer exist were written out, and others penciled in, as the chain of command was broadened and finalized.
Mr. Blackett said work on the disaster plan will continue through the end of May. All governmental and major private sector and service clubs have been asked to contribute their thoughts and suggestions to the plan. When the draft is finalised, it will be presented to the Office of the Premier for implementation.
In 2004, a total of 33 hurricane shelters were approved by the government. Shelters include churches, schools, community centres and other buildings in protected areas.
Under the plan, the public will be made aware of pending dangers by radio announcements over Radio ZIZ and VON Radio. Flags will also be raised at police stations and other location and church bells will be rung. When it is certain the island is out of danger from a hurricane or other major disaster, all clear signals, including a green flag with white diagonal stripe and audible sirens, will be delivered to the public.
Non-governmental agencies asked to join the disaster management program include the Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross Society, Christian Council, Amateur Radio Club, CB radio Club, Cable & Wireless, Youth Council, Jaycees, Lions, Rotarians, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Cadets, Brigades and 4-H Clubs.
