Disaster Preparedness, NEMO, Our Collective Responsibility

What they describe in French as our annual “enfant terrible”, the hurricane season, has arrived. Just in case we become complacent, we need to go back no further than just one year ago. Then, as we were about to climax our Carnival season, an “enfant”, named Beryl, struck. The devastation in the southern Grenadine islands, including Carriacou, an integral part of our independent neighbour of Grenada, was massive.

Indications are, it was not as bad in St Vincent itself, but the economic and social repercussions were tremendous for such a small developing country. Having suffered a succession of natural disasters for many of the preceding years, we were once again forced to try and come to grips with reality, pick up the pieces and begin recovery and reconstruction. That process was made much more difficult and costly because of the trans-island nature of our State.

Fortunately, foresight and bitter experience had led to the establishment of The National Emergency Management Organisation, NEMO, and a battle- hardened and experienced administration, essential elements in the recovery period. We have come a long way along the recovery road but there is still very far to go. Undoubtedly there have been weaknesses along the way, but despite these and the divisive politics of not just a small-island state, but a political situation rooted in a history of isolation and neglect, the experience can only enrich us, once we are prepared to learn the lessons taught.

One worrying experience, not just from Beryl, but stretching back to our responses with previous disasters, has been the pervading one to slip into what can be termed mollycoddling. Officially our messages, from the Prime Minister, NEMO CEO, and right through the administration, have been not only of concern and resilience, but also one of solidarity.

We were all, whether directly affected or not, to take collective responsibility for the recovery effort, and to play our part in it. This also involves understanding the sacrifices that such a process entails and playing our part in keeping our ship on keel. In a year leading up to elections, this has not been easy, for there is always the temptation in small-island politics to use the opportunity to advance partisan political fortunes.

Additionally, that message of solidarity has not always sunk in among our people. Sometimes, there has been intransigence in terms of demands which can be termed unreasonable on the part of some of those affected. On the other hand, others have accused the government of bending over backwards and sacrificing other priorities to satisfy such demands.

This is nothing new for it has surfaced before, notably in response to the last volcanic eruption. Many beneficiaries of the generous state-sponsored support did not seem to understand the level of sacrifice involved and seemed to want government to do everything for them. On the other hand, there are those who, while needy or not, seek to try and profit from what seems to be the government’s over-generosity.

This demonstrates the importance of the educational process, not just in disaster response and preparedness but also in the vital area of patriotism. It is critical that we avoid creating or encouraging a sense of dependency among our people, for this undermines the very spirit of solidarity and togetherness that is essential for success.

That message must be driven home during this hurricane season. We must undertake collective responsibility both for our disaster preparedness and response to any disaster. No matter how well-meaning, no matter how generous the international support, there is much more that we can do ourselves to make a success of our responses. Let us take up this challenge, TOGETHER.