An agreement was signed between the Department of Disaster Management and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to allow police to activate various emergency alert systems in the event of a tsunami, according to DDM Information and Education Manager Philomena Robertson.
The information officer explained that the agreement further establishes the police as a key component of the BVI TsunamiReady status, which includes the provision that the RVIPF control room is to serve as the Tsunami Warning Focal Point.
“The RVIPF control room has been equipped with the same capability as the DDM to activate our various early warning systems, and that capability has been tested,” said DDM Deputy Director Evangeline Inniss. “If we were to face a tsunami threat at midnight and the DDM office is closed, residents can be assured that they will be notified through that mechanism.”
Police Commissioner David Morris said he is pleased to continue his department’s partnership with the DDM, noting the pivotal role played by officers in providing round-the-clock warning capability for the territory.
“The susceptibility of the BVI to earthquakes is well known, as is the threat of tsunamis,” he said. “Officers of the police control room have been receiving ongoing training to familiarise themselves with the protocols and procedures in the event of an imminent tsunami.”
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