Photo Caption: Officers from the HMS Wave Ruler listens as
presentation is given on the Territory’s State of Preparedness
Monday, October 24
– The Director
and staff of the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) met with representatives
from the United Kingdom (UK) Naval Vessel HMS Wave Ruler earlier today.
The meeting included a tour
of the DDM’s facilities and an extensive overview of the Territory’s emergency
communications and Early Warning Systems. It was followed by a presentation of DDM’s
operations, a report on the state of preparedness of the Territory, current
status of projects and an overview of issues relating to the area of response
and recovery.
According to DDM the
Commander and his crew expressed their admiration for the extensive investment
made by the Government of the Virgin Islands in emergency communications
resources and were impressed by the Territory’s level of preparedness and
operations.
The HMS Wave Ruler, which
is not new to our waters, is in the Territory to examine the capabilities of
being able to carry out Standard Operating Procedures
(SOP) for the provision of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance to the
Virgin Islands, as a British Overseas Territory.
The head of the team explained
that the primary aim of such relief is
to provide immediate first aid
assistance to UK Overseas Territories.
As mandated by both local and UK policy, the Governor is to ensure that the Territory receives assistance to cope when
its capacities become overwhelmed and lives are threatened as a result of a hazard
impact.
A successful communications
test was implemented between the DDM and the HMS Wave Ruler which also added to
the benefits of this meeting.
To learn more
about the Department of Disaster Management and its functions, call the main
office at 468-4200, or visit the office at #3 Wailing Road, McNamara, Road
Town. Detailed information can also be
accessed via the Department’s website at www.bviddm.com.
