Thursday, September 3 Ð Five presidents from the Rotary and
Rotaract Clubs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government
of the British Virgin Islands solidifying the working relationship that
currently exists between the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) and the
Rotary family in the BVI.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday September 2 and will
provide a formal space for these entities to work in disaster response and
disaster risk reduction.
Acting Governor, Mrs. Inez V. Archibald CBE signed on behalf
of the Government of the British Virgin Islands. She welcomed the opportunity
of the Rotary family partnering with DDM to bring more support to the
TerritoryÕs national disaster management programme, especially as September is
considered to be the peak of the Hurricane Season.
Acting Governor Archibald said, ÒAt the core of the Rotarian
culture is a distinct point of view and approach which guides how each Rotarian
operates. Partnering with the DDM and
other non-governmental organization to establish disaster resilient SMART
Communities throughout the Territory typifies this culture and demonstrates
that Rotarians indeed see and think differentlyÓ.
The MoU signing signaled the beginning of an arrangement for
Non-Governmental Organisations working in disaster risk management. The DDM and the Rotary family, working alongside, the BVI Red Cross, the Adventist
Development Relief Agency (ADRA) and the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society
have partnered to submit a proposal to the Caribbean Development Bank for the
funding of a project to develop disaster resilient SMART Communities throughout
the Territory.
Agreements such as these is expected to provide the support
that disaster management organisations need to ensure that best practices can
be applied effectively and support is available especially in time when
countries are impacted by significant events and require the mobilisation of
immediate resources to respond and recover.
Through this MoU, the Rotary family and the DDM will work
together to enhance community disaster resilience by improving the quality of
life for residents throughout the Territory; develop disaster risk reduction
literacy and capacity building programmes as well as in disaster relief coordination
and distribution efforts.
The BVI Rotary Assistant Governor, Mrs. Delma Maduro
highlighted the work of Rotary and Rotaract Clubs in the British Virgin Islands
and spoke about the opportunities for residents to give back to their
communities. In acknowledging the work
of DDM, she said ÒWe are all aware that DDM is a forward thinking and
progressive department that is well recognised for its excellent work in
disaster managementÓ.
Rotary Presidents present at the signing of the MoU included
Mr. Julien Johnson from Rotary Club of Tortola, Mr. Ryan Geluk, Rotary Club of
Road Town, Ms. Sharona Pickering, Rotaract Club of Tortola, Ms. Argel Horton,
Rotaract Club of Virgin Gorda as well as Vice President, Rotary Club Sunrise of
Road Town, Ms. Rosemarie Flax.
The DDM continues to create valuable partnerships with
stakeholders in the BVI as it pursues disaster risk reduction initiatives to
improve resilience.
Notes to Editors:
¥ Photo
Caption Ð Mrs. V. Inez Archibald, CBE, Acting Governor with members of the
Rotary Club of Tortola, Rotary Club of Road Town, Rotary Club Sunrise of Road
Town, Rotaract Club of Tortola and Rotaract Club of Virgin Gorda. Also pictured are representatives from the
Department of Disaster Management. Photo Credit: Rotary Club of Road Town.
