Message from the Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs, Transportation, and Communication for Hurricane Preparedness Month 2018

Disaster Preparedness has always been significant for us at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Communications and Transportation as it is our mandate to deliver a range of essential services. Through the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), the Ministry has prioritized business continuity planning on our agenda to ensure we are more resilient for this year’s Hurricane Season.

At the core of our work has been stakeholder collaboration. In addition to saving time and money, it has been noted that a higher quality outcome is achieved when entities pool their resources with a common goal. Ongoing collaboration with the Public Works Department in particular, was critical to our Shelter selection process across the islands.

In fact, a Public-Private Partnership initiative between the DDME and Fortis TCI was also used to strengthen radio communication capacity. This activity involved the installation of a repeater and directional antenna by erecting a new pole at the DDME’s Provo Office, to create a redundant Radio Communication System between Grand Turk and Providenciales. This preparedness activity will be replicated on all Islands, at the District Commissioners Offices on the sister isles, as well as at the DDME Grand Turk Office.

On behalf of the Welfare and Relief (WAR) National Subcommittee whose remit falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs Transportation and Communication, I take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers that rendered support in 2017 after the passing of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Your efforts were greatly appreciated and we look forward to your unreserved support, should the need arise in 2018.

I also request of you residents and visitors that in the event you have specialist skills and/or equipment critical to disaster relief efforts, please be sure to register with the DDME early this Hurricane Season. I am happy to report that Shelter and Relief Management guidelines and procedures have been updated in preparation for this year’s Hurricane Season.

In essence, I am pleased to confirm that extraordinary effort, dedication and service excellence will continue by our DDME, as well as by other key stakeholder agencies during the course of this season.

In the event that any severe weather event approaches, I am urging all of us to have a plan and be prepared for any potential life threatening impacts.