Various government ministries, departments and agencies participated in a press conference on Tuesday of about the government’s hurricane preparedness efforts.
Meteorologist, Jeffrey Green spoke about the forecast for this year’s hurricane season. He said, “they’re going in for numbers of 17-25 storms that will occur, 8-13 hurricanes and 4-7 major hurricanes.
The Department of Social Services oversees the management of hurricane shelters during storms. Andrea Newbold says there are 144 shelters across the country. She also said, “training began on the 23rd and the 24th for shelter management in Acklins and Crooked Island. This was done by USAID. Other trainings will commence on the 12th of July and that training will begin with shelter management refresher courses.”
Ministry of Works Disaster Management Officer, Dwight King said the ministry is keen on ensuring that the family islands get the attention they need and greater capacity building has begun.
The Disaster Risk Management Command Center has recently undergone an upgrade of equipment and renovation. Chairman of the Disaster Risk Management Authority, Alex Storr said, “the infrastructure is in place. It’s not where we want it to be but the infrastructure is in place with all the ESFs and various systems.”
Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Leon Lundy also spoke to the recent merger of the National Emergency Management Agency and the Disaster Reconstruction Authority to form the Disaster Risk Management Authority. He said, “the DRM Authority is task with developing and implementing the national disaster risk management plan and the national disaster emergency plan. These strategic blueprints cover risk assessment, disaster risk mitigation, preparedness measures, financial safeguards and the strengthening of governance frameworks. Our ultimate goal is unequivocal to enhance the safety and the security of our citizens in the face of hurricanes. Our nation sits in the heart of the hurricane alley and the predictions are daunting. Yet I have complete faith in the dedication and capabilities of the agencies represented here today to protect our people and our future.”
The 2024 hurricane season began on June 1st.
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