Government will soon launch an enhanced emergency system that will have an impact on the way emergencies are responded too in Dominica.
This was revealed by Minister for Information, Science, Telecommunications and Technology, Kelver Darroux while delivering remarks in Parliament on Thursday.
According to him, this new initiative was funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF) at a cost of $1.5-million.
“Through the Universal Service Fund we will be launching an enhanced emergency system, 911,” he said. “This will significantly impact on the response to emergencies by the police and the Fire and Ambulance Services across the country.”
Darroux stated that the launching ceremony of this enhanced emergency and response system is expected to take place next week.
He also said the government will embark on a program that will bring broadband across the island.
“We will embark on a programme as well to ensure the establishment of smart rural centres and we made provisions in this financial year for it, to ensure that we can bring broadband to every sector and every segment of this country,” he noted.
Darroux continued, “The ordinary citizens wherever they may be in this country they can have access to the internet. All of this will continue to work towards this financial year.”
This is a great development. I hope folks, esp. elderly, will still be able to use the old 999 emergency number during a limited transition period. Nonetheless, whether you’re DFP, DLP or UWP… a good move for all the people.
Govt should emblazon this number on all emergency vehicles. It’s a good thing because foreigners, esp from US and Canada, will be able to use the same 911 as they do back home for emergencies.
Next project: A comprehensive street naming/addressing system as part of the GIS system they’re working on… I know the current system will be a challenge for Emergency personnel, even with GPS. So naming all streets and numbering homes and businesses would be a great investment in the infrastructure of the country.
This will not only be good for the citizens of Dominica. It will be good for the tourists and visitors on the island.
Anything that helps those who live in Dominica will be beneficial to everybody who happens to be in the country once they know of its existence and how to utilize it.
This is a wise move by a caring government that will make Dominica a better place.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
how allu want state of de art emergency system and when people call police and ambulance, they never have vehicle