Minister for National Security and Home Affairs, Rayburn Blackmoore, says that the impact of Covid-19 has placed additional requirements and challenges on the country’s preparedness and response activities for the upcoming hurricane season.
Speaking at a meeting of the National Emergency Planning Organization (NEPO) earlier this week, Blackmoore said that the presence of the pandemic across the region and globally is a clear indication that business, as usual, is not an option.
“This year’s prediction is for an active above average Hurricane season. Meanwhile, I am reminded that in spite of the season prediction it only takes one system to cause significant damage to our island and our people,” he said. “With these in mind, the government has been doing everything possible to ensure that this country is ready and that all of us must play our part.”
Blackmoore indicated that the level of external assistance that Dominica could have explained before, may not be available going forward.
“We have to learn how to execute our responsibilities while adapting to the changes brought on us by this major crisis,” he said.
However, he said the leadership and the people of Dominica are not daunted by these new developments.
“We have shown that we are capable of rising to the challenges as we have seen thus far in our response to Covid-19 and even more so the great strides we have made since Hurricane Maria in 2017,” the minister stated. “Our experience with Hurricane Maria should be enough for us to know what can happen, should the island be seriously affected and that we should all be prepared in every respect.”
Blackmoore said he has made it his duty to ensure that the relevant stakeholders have been actively engaged in planning and preparing for the new Hurricane season.
Furthermore, he noted that the sub-committee of NEPO has been meeting and ensuring that necessary provisions are being made.
“We recognize that the provision of emergency shelters during this season is one that requires much thought and necessary arrangements must be put in place as we all should comply with the requirements for physical distancing…,” Blackmoore noted.
He gave the assurance that despite COVID-19, all efforts will continue to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all.
“Rest assured that the maintenance of law and order at any given time is paramount, more so, during emergency and disaster situations,” the minister stated.
Blackmoore called on all able-bodied persons to build a spirit of voluntary work to ensure that all of the hazards in the communities can be eliminated.
“Help clean the drains in our communities…,” he encouraged. “Help the elderly and neighbours to cut the trees over his or her house, volunteer to assist in a shelter and at the same time comply with the instruction by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment.”
So let’s talk about CREAD and how it’s obvious that Dominica’s push to be client resilient is not going well…
People like Blackmore in government poses a far greater threat to Dominica than covid-19 or any of those hurricanes that didn’t spear us. Is people like Blackmore in government that causing the wrath of God on our nature isle.
Mr. Blackmore, you have not said one thing that is being done by thd government to make the country Hurricane Season ready. You are asking people to clear drains and cut trees. i mean, is that all that should be done? How many appropriate “resilient” / “hurricane proof” shelters (not private homes and churches) have you guys built apart from layou? How has health care improved in the respective communities apart from PMH? How has food security improved to ensure that if we do get a bad one, so we have food/produce for the island, that we have enough seedlings to replant instantly, that we have enough seeds to germinate seedlings? What industries have been developed to ensure that work continues in the event that travel to and from is impossible? what ports or facilities were developed in case communities are cut off and can only be reachable by sea? what has been done? i believe that when you say dlp is doing all that they can, as usual, it will be next to nothing or something…
Very good questions! But I’m afraid you’ll have to wait for answers till Doomsday…
Bark -more is so irrelevant its not funny ; In fact Skerrit pack Back-More at his last press conference and the other one evr chaired by Bark-More when Skerrit publicly pulled the mice away from him and said I will answer this question. I mean what more humiliation can one want. Now he wants to come to talk about law and order! since when Dominica have law and order nuh! you all in government breaking all kinds of laws, even the constitution and you all coming to say law and orde. Joker!
At Nepo meeting you are speaking?? But you can’t speak about baby Sarah? Go away Blackmoore, I’ve got no respect for you!
Oh More black,more black,more black,stop try ing to make yourself relevant, it’s the same crap from you all everyday. With you all obstructing progress in Dominica,it’s just the same thing everyday.
I would suggest to you Moreblack,moreblack,More black get your pick axe,your cutlass and your hoe and prepare to farm the land.
We are going back to agriculture and there’s a shortage of manual labor,get ready to work.
And please DNO,don’t tamper with my comments.
Allow my views to be expressed like every one else.
he said. “With these in mind, the government has been doing everything possible to ensure that this country is ready and that all of us must play our part.” folks this means nothing. Why do these guys speak like this. Is gov getting extra generators? Is there a fuel reserve set up? Is there alternative communication systems enhancements? Are we stocking up on dry foods? Are we sourcing or developing water purification systems? Have we planted staple root crops and learn food canning techniques? What is it exactly the government is doing Blackmoore? What you said above is worst than saying nothing. Be specific.
What exactly is being done? Where are the details?
BATIBOOOO,Baby Sarah has built a MASSIVE housing complex in JIMMIT.He has built a MINI HOSPITAL in Mahaut.He has built a STATE-OF-THE-ART basketball court in MASSACRE.That is why LABOUR will never lose in Mahaut.Only a JACK A talk’s about Baby Sarah.Baby Sarah,Baby Sarah,BabySarah,PARROT BATIBOOOO.
Are you feeling alright?