Hurricane preparedness measures are well under way in the territory and will continue in the coming months, the National Disaster Management Council heard during its annual meeting on Tuesday.
A report prepared by the Department of Disaster Management included information on mitigation and planning, emergency response capabilities, and recovery coordination, according to Government Information Services.
The meeting, which was chaired by Governor Boyd McCleary and Premier Dr. Orlando Smith, was held at the Maria’s by the Sea conference room.
“The meeting is being held in accordance with the Disaster Management Act 2003,” Mr. McCleary said. “It is an important meeting where members can talk through matters related to the work of the National Disaster Management Programme.”
The meeting also included a presentation on the progress of the 2009-2013 Virgin Islands Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy and plans to move forward with the new 2014-2018 strategy, according to GIS.
Presentations also came from subcommittees responsible for health disaster management; emergency planning; welfare and relief distribution; public information and awareness; mitigation; transport and infrastructure; and emergency fund distribution.
The meeting concluded with the council defining a number of key actions for follow-up, according to GIS. A report will be presented to Cabinet in the coming weeks.
{fcomment}