BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IT is not an easy undertaking to coordinate responses to disasters – natural and man made – and promote a level of preparedness among residents of a country in the event that it is impacted.
These are however the chief roles of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). And according to c NEMA is constantly engaging in activities designed to put it in a better position to execute its duties.
With the commencement of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season on June 1, the Agency once again has the responsibility of leading the proactive and reactive – if necessary – charge of preparedness and readiness.
Langley-Stevens indicated that to this end, NEMA continues its educational drive and in addition is engaged in skill-enhancement programmes.
“We are responsible for ensuring that our citizens and residents are kept safe and that they are exposed to mitigation measures that they are able to respond in an appropriate time, and that we are able to recover together in the event of an impact. NEMA continues to put public service announcements related to hazards but, more so, around this time we focus on the hurricane season.
“NEMA’s future plans in terms of being ready and prepared entail a lot of ongoing training; training exercises that speak to topics such as post disaster needs assessment. We also have training for shelter manners. We are presently engaged in a disaster risk reduction project funded by the BNTF under the CDB umbrella…and for that we are entirely grateful.”
Langley-Stevens said NEMA continues to do all it could to ensure that the Federation is prepared in the event. She however noted that it is incumbent upon members of the public to listen to, process and digest the information provided by NEMA and take heed.
The Deputy National Disaster Coordinator also advised that persons should familiarize themselves with the various disaster shelters and Community Managers around the island, noting that having a handle on such information could prove useful.
