Jamaica has introduced the institution of a catastrophe threat administration evaluation committee (DRMRC) to evaluate the nation’s catastrophe threat administration processes.
Main Common Antony Anderson, the previous head of the Jamaica Constabulary Drive, will lead the physique.
Different members embody Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr., a pacesetter in geospatial expertise; Jonathan Brown, a retired senior public official; and Trudy Deans, a advisor who has been instrumental in initiatives such because the Jamaica Training Transformation Fee (JETC).
Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated the work of the committee will strengthen Jamaica’s preparedness for disasters and be sure that the nation is able to meet future crises, head-on.
He famous that given the depth and frequency of disasters in recent times, the nation should stand prepared to reply swiftly and successfully to safeguard lives livelihoods, and important infrastructure.
– Commercial –
“The latest reminder of our vulnerability got here with Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. Beryl precipitated important injury throughout parishes, affecting 1000’s of households and leaving many Jamaicans with out shelter, water, electrical energy, and web connectivity, totaling, I’m positive, over $10 billion in injury,” Holness stated.
“The ensuing impression is sobering and it reveals what’s at stake for Jamaica if we’re hit by a hurricane or some other type of pure catastrophe,” he identified.
In finishing up its mandate, the DRMRC will assess vulnerabilities in important infrastructure and providers to make sure they continue to be operational even throughout catastrophe occasions.
These embody water provide methods, electrical energy grids, telecommunications networks, and transportation.
“These are the spine of every day life and should stay operational. The main focus will likely be on guaranteeing that these important providers are designed, maintained, and upgraded to resist the impression of hurricanes, floods, and different catastrophe occasions,” Holness famous.
He knowledgeable that the committee may also consider the readiness and functionality of the nation’s emergency providers to make sure they’re geared up to reply rapidly and effectively to crises and supply suggestions for enhancing nationwide and native catastrophe response frameworks, guaranteeing higher coordination amongst businesses.
“The work of the DRMRC is not only about addressing the fast dangers posed by disasters however about constructing a tradition of resilience in Jamaica that prepares us for the longer term. The last word purpose is to make sure that our infrastructure, providers and communities are geared up to deal with any problem, guaranteeing the continued security and well-being of Jamaicans and, certainly, the continuity of Authorities within the face of any severe pure catastrophe problem,” Mr. Holness stated.
