The National Disaster Management Council (NDMC), will be meeting virtually today Friday, June 18, to discuss the British Virgin Islands hurricane readiness and to develop a plan to have the territory fully prepared for the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane season.
A media release from the Office of the Deputy Governor confirmed the meeting which will be the first NDMC meeting chaired by the Governor John Rankin, who leads the NDMC alongside Co-Chair Premier Andrew Fahie.
Speaking on the territory’s preparedness, Governor Rankin said he has been impressed with the preparedness activities he has seen, including in emergency shelters.
He said, “The NDMC pulls together experts from the Department of Disaster Management, the security and protection forces, the health sector, utility service providers, and our vital social care agencies and non-governmental partners, all guided by Permanent Secretaries who are responsible for their elements of the Territory’s Disaster Management Plan. The efforts being made through this structure ensure that all corners of the Territory are working hand-in-glove to Be Ready this hurricane season.”
Meanwhile, Premier Fahie noted that every effort must be made now to ensure that the BVI does not lose recovery gains made since the impacts of the 2017 hurricanes.
“The people of the Virgin Islands have worked extremely hard to get to where we are now. To continue our success, we must be proactive, which is why we are meeting now and not waiting for a storm to be upon us to identify any gaps that may exist in our overall readiness,” Fahie stated
“My government stands ready to do what is needed to ensure that we are able to withstand any major impacts from events that may impact the Territory this year, whether it be flooding, strong winds, landslides or storm surge that comes with the devastating hurricane that have impacted our islands recently,” the premier added.
The NDMC is responsible for carrying out actions that are in keeping with the Virgin Islands Comprehensive Disaster Management Policy and Strategic Plan.