PM: Prepare well for 2012 hurricane season

Tue, Jun 5. 2012

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves is urging all Vincentians to be vigilant, sensible and to prepare well for the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane season.{{more}}

According to Gonsalves, the 2012 Hurricane season got off to an early start with two tropical storms, Alberto (May 19) and Beryl (May 27).

The burden of recovering from natural disasters is a heavy one and it can be long and a costly process, stated Gonsalves, as he addressed the nation at the start of the hurricane season on June 1.

He estimated the costs for the social and economic damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Tomas and the April rains to be EC$250 million, with $150 million estimated for damage from Hurricane Tomas and $100 million for the April rains of 2011.

He therefore asked the general public to follow the advice of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) closely and to take their advice seriously. He referred to the 15,000 netbook computers that were distributed to students in St Vincent and the Grenadines, adding that information on hurricanes and disaster preparedness can be sourced via the Internet. Dr Gonsalves also said persons can access the Internet at schools across the country. He said that persons can visit NEMO’s office for information packages and that they should use the information to reduce risks and hazards that may impact their family.

With regard to emergency shelters, the Prime Minister said the inspectors have inspected the emergency shelters. According to Gonsalves, the list of all emergency shelters in St Vincent and the Grenadines will be published in the media.

Businesses and organizations were not excluded, as the Prime Minister encouraged them to have a business continuation and contingency plan. He said this will ensure that businesses are not left to chance with the consequent loss in assets, customers, and livelihoods. He cited St Vincent Electricity Services Ltd (VINLEC) and the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA), among others, as best practices in recovering quickly after disaster(s). He said that businesses and organizations who require such information and or help should contact NEMO for assistance.

Gonsalves commended NEMO for their work in educating the Vincentian public about hazards and disaster preparedness. He urged the public to see NEMO as a friendly place where they could approach the staff for information.

The Housing and Land Development Corporation (HLDC) and the Ministry of Housing also received commendations from Prime Minister Gonsalves. The Prime Minister also complimented all volunteers and voluntary organizations who were involved in the overall emergency recovery efforts.(API)