A comprehensive disaster management audit has found that Montserrat is generally well-prepared for future disasters, with some areas that can be improved.
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Disaster Risk Reduction Centre conducted the audit on behalf of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
It took place over a five-month period, during which auditors assessed the systems and processes in place across the disaster management phases – mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
On 26 November they gave a presentation of the key findings and recommendations to stakeholders at the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) conference room.
The audit gave Montserrat a score of 2.16 out of three for mitigation, two out of three for preparedness, 2.4 out of three for response and 1.76 out of three for recovery.
Strengths and weaknesses
Stacy-Ann Austin explained that the mission of the UWI Disaster Risk Reduction Centre is to advance a multi-disciplinary approach to the disaster risk reduction and disaster management.
The centre uses comprehensive disaster management tools, both at the national and regional levels, to enable participating states to identify critical gaps and strategically allocate their resources.
Importantly, Austin said, the audits serve as a benchmark for setting standards for comprehensive disaster management across the Caribbean.
Government communications officer Viona Alexander-Smith and Austin together presented the audit’s findings and recommendations.
The audit’s recommendations include improving data availability, formalising processes, integrating disaster management education, and developing a national training strategy.
In a written statement, DMCA director Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Ryan said the agency recognises the importance of the process.
“This assessment highlights our strengths, our weaknesses and gaps. It makes recommendations on how we can improve,” he said.
Watch the presentation in full below:
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