Creating a Disaster Plan for The Craftshouse, was the focus of a meeting between senior officers from The NEMA and staff of The Craftshouse, today Thursday, April 12th, 2018.
The NEMA Team was led by Deputy National Disaster Coordinator (DNDC) Claricia Langley-Stevens, who shared that the meeting resulted from the recently conducted Caribe Wave Exercise, which tested responses from businesses within a specific locale.
“Persons may recall our participation in the Exercise, which took place on March 15th ,” Mrs. Langley-Stevens said, “targeting businesses located in the C.A. Paul Southwell Industrial Site.”
According to the DNDC, the purpose of the exercise was to evaluate local tsunami response plans, increase tsunami preparedness, and improve coordination throughout the region. Closer to home, she has said that the local objectives intend to cause the development or improvement of Disaster Plans for businesses, by testing current procedures of those who are most vulnerable to a Tsunami impact.
“During a Post Mortem,” which was held immediately following the exercise on March 15th, Mrs. Langley-Stevens said, “specific gaps and concerns related to Craftshouse’s participation were shared and thanks to the proactive approach of the Supervisor, Ms. Rupertha Willett, arrangements were made for The NEMA, to assist them with their Plan development as a result.”
“The exercise created awareness about vulnerabilities to the Earthquake and Tsunami hazards and how persons should respond. In that regard, a review was done immediately following and corrective actions are currently being undertaken. This is how DM should work and it begins with collaboration”, the DNDC said.
Subsequently, she has issued a call to action for all business operators throughout the Federation to engage in Disaster Plan development, with an aim to completing the process by the end of 2018.
“Please remember that we are not sending you out alone to start this process,” Mrs. Langley-Stevens said, “we at The NEMA are very willing and able to assist you in the way forward, and all you have to do is reach out to us.”
Finally the DNDC concluded, “…because we will be reaching out to you.”
The NEMA delegation included Ms. Bereece Williams, Districts Coordinator and Ms. Vesta Southwell, Public Relations Officer. The group was hosted by Craftshouse Supervisor Rupertha Willett who was joined by other staff, Steadbirt Herbert and Viscount Dore.
