| DISASTER AWARENESS WEEK NEVIS (1st-8th October, 2005) |
| The Nevis Disaster Management Office, Premier’s Ministry, staging a week of activities dubbed the “Disaster Awareness Week”, from 1st October to 8th October 2005. The recent lessons from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and in 2004 Hurricane Ivan reinforced the urgency for all of us to be prepared for any eventuality. It is acknowledged that the susceptibility of the Caribbean region to various hazards, result in very negative impacts to our economic, physical and social infrastructure when tested by disastrous events. The planning of this 1st ever “Disaster Week” allowed the general public, Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Non Government organizations and Community entities to examine their Hazard Preparedness levels and Plans and to be presented with all necessary information relating to Disaster Management. Key activities for the week were: Panel discussion, “Let’s Talk” program, Community Clean-up day and an Exhibition, that featured products and displays from a range of agencies. The theme for the week was: “PLAN NOW! DON’T WAIT! DISASTERS DON’T DISCRIMINATE” NEWS ITEMS ON DISASTER AWARENESS WEEK The full activity list for the “Disaster Awareness Week” was as follows: Saturday 1st October 2005 Church Services: Prayers/Announcements - completed “Youth on the Go” - VON Radio (9 am) - completed Winners: Austine Liburd , Daniella Ward, J'Rose Daniel, Doyah Barry, Shenelle Dore Sunday 2nd October Church Services - completed Prayers/Announcements Monday 3rd October Launch of Disaster Awareness Week (& Newsletter) - completed Red Cross building (10 am - 11 am) [General Public invited and all Disaster Committee members ] Tuesday 4th October “Let’s Talk” - VON Radio Program (8 pm) - completed [Chairpersons of Disaster NDMC Sub-Committees & Red Cross Rep] Wednesday 5th October 2005 Talks: High & Primary Schools - completed [Talks by Chairpersons of Disaster NDMC Sub-Committees & others] Essay Competition launch - High Schools - launch completed [Essays (on any disaster subject or theme) to be submitted by 4th November] Thursday 6th October Panel Discussion - completed Red Cross Building (7:30 p.m.) [Disaster Response individuals - Department Directors/Managers & others] Friday 7th October Disaster Management Exhibition - completed Red Cross building (9:30 am - 4:00 pm) [Wide cross-section of exhibitors with a wide variety of products/items] Awards & Reception - completed AWARDEES Old Manor Hotel (7:00 - 9:30 pm) [Awards to individuals/corporate entities who have greatly assisted in DM] Saturday 8th October Community Cleanup day – postponed to a later date [Cleanup of residences, businesses, villages, communities by "everyone"] |
