Tuesday, July 10 – Residents of Anegada have been assured that better efforts will be made to help in the planning process, preparations and recovery for future disasters.
The residents met with Governor His Excellency Augustus Jaspert, Deputy Governor David Archer Jr, Director of the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) Mr. Jacob Adolphus, Sister Islands Coordinator Vincent Wheatley and a team from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) to discuss the importance of hurricane preparedness at a community meeting on Friday July 6. The event was held at the Claudia Creque Centre.
Director of the Disaster Management, Sharleen DaBreo MBE said the day was spent visiting a number of businesses throughout the islands and listening to the concerns of residents.
Ms. DaBreo said, “The community meeting was well received and persons expressed their gratitude to the Governor and Deputy Governor for arranging to meet with them and to hear their concerns. A full list of the issues has been captured and we will now work with the various ministries to address these.”
As part of the visit to the Sister Island, Director of the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) Mr. Jacob Adolphus made a donation of approximately fifty-five blood glucose machines, twenty-five of which were distributed to the Anegada Medical Clinic.
Hurricane preparedness brochures were also distributed in efforts to keep residents informed as well as Preparedness bags provided by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission
Mr. Adolphus said, “The community had some concerns with the response following last year’s passage of hurricane Irma but we did reassure them that ADRA – who is partnering with DDM, has come on board along with the Rotary Club and Red Cross to assist in certain areas because we do realize that DDM needs our help. Whatever area we can help in the event of any hazard we will be there to assist.”
Similar community meetings are being planned for Virgin Gorda and Jost van Dyke.
