PM advises nation as Hurricane season begins

As the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, is calling on homes and business to be prepared.

At a press conference held on Tuesday, June 2nd, the Prime Minister shared that he had recently conducted an audit of the National Disaster Response Mechanism – gathering all the relevant agencies that have been assigned response roles in SVG’s National Disaster Response Plan.{{more}} Following detailed reports on each agency’s level of readiness “to provide services to our people if a hurricane or storm should strike the country,” Gonsalves appeared to be satisfied with the measures and precautions that are already in place to counteract any hurricane/storm damage the nation might suffer. “I am pleased with our state of readiness… It is almost impossible to be 100 per cent ready, so we should always strive to do more to improve our resilience against disasters.”

Gonsalves further urged all individuals to safeguard against such disaster well in advance, and not to indulge in last minute preparations as was done in years gone by. “You can’t sit back and wait for your house to be blown away. Go the extra mile!” He advised the public to stock up on emergency supplies such as water, batteries, radios, flashlights, and first aid kits. He also beseeched individuals to know the location of the nearest evacuation centres.

Advising the public to employ the necessary means to educate themselves and others on ways to prepare, the Prime Minister pointed out that different responsibilities should be assigned to various individuals who live in the home or workplace. “Who will tie up the boats? Who will secure the roof? Who will collect the water?” He further insisted: “Have a checklist! If you’re properly prepared you can save lives, injuries and you can mitigate any loss or damage to your property.”

Gonsalves was grateful that SVG had been spared the worst of the hurricane season in 2008, but acknowledged the damage sustained by fishing vessels and the western and southern coastlines of St. Vincent. He further lamented the death of Patricia Bowman, who was trapped under a fallen retaining wall that was weakened by torrential rains.

In 2008, there were 16 named storms, with 8 of them becoming hurricanes. Five of those were category 3 or higher. According to a report released by Colorado State University forecasters Philip Klotzbach and William Gray in December 2008, it is estimated that 2009 will see 14 named storms, with 7 of them becoming hurricanes.

“The media and general public should realize that there is a large amount of uncertainty with our early December prediction,” said Klotzbach. Therefore, he is encouraging those in the region to be prepared for any eventuality. (JSV)