New media association pledges support for building a resilient Dominica

Logo of the DMCA

The newly-minted Dominica Media and Communications Association (DMCA) has pledged its support in getting the message out on the need to build back stronger after the ravages of Hurricane Maria.

President of the organization, Garvin Richards, said the role of the media in the entire process of making Dominica the first climate resilient nation in the world, an idea formulated by the government, cannot be underestimated.

“On behalf of media workers in Dominica I would like to pledge our support in assisting the government in getting its message out, of the need to build back better with more resilience to combat the impact of climate change,” he said. “The impact of climate change has called for a new approach as to how the media must operate. In this resiliency campaign, the media must continue to champion the cause, and remind the public of the importance of building back the right way.”

He said there must be a continious partnership with various stakeholders to get the information out.

“The phrase climate resilient country must become a household phrase if this campaign is to be successful and the media must play an integral role in that process,” he stated.

He said with the frequency of severe weather events “our very existence now depends on being able to improve on our resiliency.”

“I say this for we can only get so much assistance for so long from our good friends in the international community,” Richards stated.  “So, for the media to play its role in building this first climate resilient nation, the media itself must address its shortfalls and become resilient itself.”

He stated that in time of national crisis, the media is counted on to relay information locally and globally but it must possess the required tools and training to do so.

“No longer can we depend on simple internet, cellular or radio connections, for they have proven to be unreliable in the immediate aftermath of a disaster,” Richards stated. “Investments need to be made in technology which will not be impacted by disasters. Satellite Phones, and even to a certain extent ham operated radios which can be easily stored away before a storm have now become a necessity.”

He pointed to the correct training and argued that media personnel should have basic training in the field of meteorology or geography and other aspects of disaster management.

“Weather monitoring and forecasting are clearly essential components of an early warning system for hurricanes,” he noted. “Accurate weather monitoring and early warning allow for timely preparation and implementation of a safe evacuation.”

Richards said health care “is critical aspect following a disaster, and again it’s another area where the media has to up its game before, and after a storm.”

“After the storm, the media’s role in relaying information on Emergency operations plans should take into consideration the priority public health needs which most often include at-risk population evacuation and provision of adequate shelter, as well as food, water, sanitation, and healthcare,” he noted.

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18 Comments

  1. NatureIsle
    February 24, 2018

    Indeed, let us hope this not just more of same rhetoric -post hurricane Maria. The ideas are pragmatic nonetheless, & feasible, however, let’s hope that these words can truly become a reality much sooner than later in the Nature Isle… Since Our very survival & flourishing depends on it! Full Implementation & commitment to bring the theoretical into practice is usually where we are weakest.

  2. My bad
    February 22, 2018

    Gavin working hard to replace Kamala as press secretary. This guy is a disgrace and poison to nation building

  3. My bad
    February 22, 2018

    The headline should read :
    New media association pledges support for Roosevelt Skerrit and to help him hide his corruption. That would make more sense because that’s what it’s all about with the players on board

  4. Ryan
    February 22, 2018

    Gavin u Continue to be a lap dog if the Government.. the role of the Media is to be free from all and to be fair and unbiased.. the government has its medium of communication the media in Dominica has lost its way .. u all now sound like Fox News .. plz my boy u a wise young man don’t go down on your knees for a few silver pieces..

    • February 22, 2018

      Writer you said it that’s something that FOX News would do. the Media there roll is to bring out all the facts so the people can make the right decisions but when you set up yourself and saying you would be joining the Government you should go back to the drawing board. No one is telling which party you should belong too that’s you right but don’t try to bring your messages across to the masses stop being biased because that’s not your roll. If you cannot be straight forward and report as you should we would suggest someone else should be in your position. We suggest you stick to the facts no matter what

      Mr. Richards we are waiting to hear from you what do you have to say about what GIS have done to the speech that the Opposition Leader Mr. Linton gave, cut out parts of that speech to please you all boss, don’t hide just come out with the truth we will be waiting for your response I hope you go to GIS and ask why was it done and tell us what they have to say we will be…

  5. February 22, 2018

    Dominica is all talk and no show. Am already sick of hearing the word resilience . My people stop abusing the word resilience and get to work. 5 years from now and Dominica ?? will still be the same. Hopefully there might be at least one Hurricane shelter :mrgreen: God help us all.

  6. Jonathan Y St Jean
    February 22, 2018

    This statement shows clearly that this new media association is a new arm of government.The media is to be independent an to serve the truth on behalf of the people.When this association takes sides and supports the government it is not showing its independence.I am of the impression that the government’s tentacles have taken hold of the media when this association pledges it’s support to the government.This new association is a lost cause in the pursuit of the truth no matter what or who feels offended.

    • RandyX
      February 22, 2018

      I told you all that Richards was a member of the cabal. You all believe me now? The man is just another opportunist.

  7. Current
    February 22, 2018

    Mr president….what’s wrong with you? You should be asking the questions. You should be telling us what is resilient. You should be asking the govt how much money they raised and what have they done so far and what are their plans. We don’t want you to be joining with govt in anything. You are the Guardian of our democracy not a political party. Come on bro….you are a young man. Ask for independence. Please bro…please

  8. Dominican
    February 22, 2018

    Why do I get an uneasy feeling that this new media association is in Skerrit’sback pocket.? I will always champion a free and independent press that helps the public to make up its own mind by not being afraid to challenge authorities, no matter who is in power.

  9. NabesandI
    February 21, 2018

    The vile nature of some of these comments tells me just how much hatred there is in this country towards the Govt. Smh some of you people really need to grow up boy jah

    • February 22, 2018

      I do believe the shoes is on the other foot so don’t got there Richards open up himself for all the comments and remarks coming his way, he have set himself up by becoming the mouth piece of the ruling party and Government. Hatred on Island is perpetuated by certain politicians and it’s very open and I believe you know that to be true.

  10. Trying to help
    February 21, 2018

    Reads like a G.I.S. release.Enough said.

  11. Neverson St jean
    February 21, 2018

    That sounds like another arm of the govt. Your job sir is to give the people info. The good the bad and the ugly. U should not be in the business of helping

  12. Arturo
    February 21, 2018

    Actually I prefer the media to be completely independent from government and it is not the role of an independent media to be cheerleaders for anyone.

  13. anonymous2
    February 21, 2018

    Nothing that is living is resilient. It will always be vulnerable. Just put strong roofs on the houses and buildings and construct walls out of blocks, steel and concrete. And have safe public buildings that can be utilized and kept stocked.

  14. viewsexpressed
    February 21, 2018

    Members of the Media & Communications Media……Please be advised and open your eyes before you commit yourself to Skerrit and his faked corrupt Labour government. Please do think twice, assess the work of this failed government over the past 17 years. There has been no social and economic development taking place in Dominica. I want action not nice words.
    Pledge assistance to the poor people of Dominica and leave Skerrit and incompetent corrupt government alone. They are weal, clueless of development and has failed all poor people but abuse them with handouts.
    You associate yourself and your company by associating with Skerrit will taint you for life.
    Stay away, undertake you own tasks, do your own research and execute your own designed task and work.

  15. jackarie
    February 21, 2018

    Good work bro. Impressive!

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