In AN OPENING ceremony held at the Horse Stable Beach in North Caicos last Friday, May 5, to mark the launch of Hurricane Preparedness Month.
The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) initiative saw attendance from students and teachers of Adelaide Oemler Primary School, Hubert James Primary School, Doris Robinson Primary School and Helena Jones Robinson High School.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communications, Hon. Delroy Williams, brought opening remarks.
Williams stressed the importance of listening to weather warnings and taking the necessary steps to be prepared for the season.
“As minister, I will do all that is in my power to make sure that this department is up and functioning for this season,” he said.
“I encourage you, the parents, and most especially the students that are here, to listen to your parents, follow instructions as they give them to you, be prepared for this hurricane season.”
Permanent secretary of disaster management Clara Gardiner also brought greetings to the crowd and encouraged students to ask their parents if they are properly prepared for the hurricane season and offer help.
Director of the DDME, Dr Virginia Clerveaux asked a few questions about hurricane preparedness to ensure that the students were paying attention.
A church service was also held at the Harvest Bible Chapel in Providenciales on Sunday (May 7) to commemorate the month as the Director expressed when she appeared on RTC’s Expressions last week.
A Governor’s Hurricane Conference started on Saturday (May 13) and will run through to May 19.
Minister of Home Affairs, Delroy Williams, issued a statement to RTC News this week in which he said that he along with his Government are committed to building capacity within the DDME and by extension, building resilience throughout the entire TCI.
“I have committed in the 2017-18 budget to address the need for a purpose built National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) with warehouse facilities, two snorkel vehicles to traverse flooded roads during emergencies, emergency radio communication upgrade and retrofitting of shelters.
“I am also committed going forward to provide DDME with the requisite human resources that it needs to effectively and timely carry out its duties,” added the Minister.
The Minister along with key members of the DDME and the Ministry will be issuing hurricane messages as we use the month of may as the Disaster Preparedness month, which will be aired on RTC FM.
