As legislators debated changes Tuesday to the territory’s disaster management law, they first told anecdotes about the Virgin Islands community coping harmoniously through hurricanes. But then several lawmakers voiced concern that the 93-page bill generally delegates decision-making authority during disasters to the governor and the director of the Department of Disaster Management.
While House of Assembly members voted to give the Disaster Management Act, 2011, a second reading — a step closer to enacting it — they also decided it should be reviewed by a select committee of the House. Health and Social Development Minister Ronnie Skelton will lead the committee, which will also include Delores Christopher (R-D5) and Opposition Leader Ralph O’Neal.
Mr. Skelton, who asked for the committee’s formation, said that the governor currently takes the lead in navigating the territory in times of emergency, but he would like to see that change.
“My premier needs a bigger role,” Mr. Skelton said. “The premier of this country needs to be in charge when there is a disaster in this country.”
See the May 2, 2013 edition for full coverage.
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