Bataca Disaster Committee secures alternative emergency route out of the community

There has always been a concern among villagers in the Bataca area, that in the instance of a major accident or landslide along the Atkinson to Pagua route the road would be impassible.

The chair of the committee Idline Burton said, “We are concerned about disasters and during our meeting, we discussed a concern of the people which was related to disaster. People of Bataca can easily be trapped with no alternative route to escape in the event that the main Atkinson to Pagua road is blocked. Members of the committee thought of an existing road called the Pond-ton-pe road. We decided on this project and engaged the people of Bataca to turn out to help clear the road. To my surprise about thirty people turned out to give their time and labor free of charge”.

This road was used as a “shortcut” by many people in the past for carrying their bananas to Pagua on their heads. Presently, shrubs, trees, and grass have overgrown the track. Men turned out with cutlasses, chainsaws, and swipers to do the job. Members of the committee were dumbfounded because of the turnout. They never thought they would have received that level of support. Among the many people who turned out to support were the District Disaster Coordinator, Mr. Vanty Auguiste, the Kalinago Chief, Mr. Lorenzo Sanford, and politicians. This project demonstrates the seriousness of residents concerning disaster prevention. The committee intends to keep the people informed and educated about disaster prevention.

At the end of the day, people were treated to some local food and drinks, prepared on an open fire under a tree. Ms.Burton took the opportunity to thank everyone by saying, “Thanks to everyone who turned out. I am overjoyed. The turnout surpassed our expectation”.

The hope is that more people can take heed of this and look for ways to address the concerns of the community with regard to disaster prevention.